The actual structure of the Linux (or Unix) filesystem, that is the names and layout of the directories in the filesystem, appear to be random and complex. In reality the historical usage and structure has been somewhat random in the past, depending at least in part upon the standards and practices of individual organizations and the specific lineage of the Unix or Linux version in use.<\/p>\n\n\n
The primary reason to standardize the directory structure and usage of the Linux filesystem is to make life easier for the system administrator. Knowing where to look for files by usage or type makes one’s life much easier. This is especially true when many different Linux distributions can be running side by side in the same organization. Consistency makes it easier for system administrators to switch between distributions when working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a usually very organized Virgo, I like things stored in smaller, organized groups rather than in one big bucket. The use of directories helps me to store and then locate the files I want when I want them. Directories are also known as folders because they can be thought of as folders in which files are kept in a sort of physical desktop analogy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nIn\nLinux, and many other operating systems, directories can be\nstructured in a tree-like hierarchy. The Linux directory structure is\nwell defined and documented in the Linux Filesystem Hierarchy\nStandard (FHS)1<\/sup><\/a>.\nThis standard has been put in place to ensure that all distributions\nof Linux are consistent in their directory usage. Such consistency\nmakes writing and maintaining shell and compiled programs easier for\nSysAdmins because the programs, their configuration files, and their\ndata, if any, should be located in the standard directories. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThe\nlatest Filesystem Hierarchical Standard (3.0)2<\/sup><\/a>\nis defined in a document maintained by the Linux Foundation3<\/sup><\/a>.\nThe document is available in multiple formats from their web site, as\nare historical versions of the FHS. I suggest that you set aside some\ntime and at least scan the entire document in order to better\nunderstand the roles played by the many subdirectories of these\ntop-level ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nFigure\n19-2 provides a list of the standard, well known, and defined\ntop-level Linux directories and their purposes. These directories are\nlisted in alphabetical order. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThe standard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n