Navigating the GNU Linux Filesystem

Learn how to navigate the GNU Linux filesystem.

Essential Commands

ls - List Directory Contents

ls           # List files in current directory
ls -l        # Long format with details
ls -a        # Show hidden files (starting with .)
ls -la       # Combine long format and hidden files
ls /path     # List specific directory

cd - Change Directory

cd /home     # Go to absolute path
cd Documents # Go to relative path
cd ..        # Go up one directory
cd ~         # Go to home directory
cd -         # Go to previous directory

pwd - Print Working Directory

pwd          # Show current location

The Linux Directory Structure

Key Directories

• / - Root of the entire filesystem


• /home - User home directories


• /root - Root user's home


• /etc - System configuration files


• /var - Variable data (logs, databases)


• /tmp - Temporary files


• /usr - User programs and data


• /bin - Essential binaries


• /sbin - System binaries


• /dev - Device files


• /proc - Process information


• /sys - System information

Path Types

Absolute Paths


Start from root (/):


/home/user/Documents/file.txt

Relative Paths


Start from current directory:


./script.sh      # Current directory
../other/file    # Up one, then down
Documents/file   # Down from current

Tips

• Use Tab completion to autocomplete paths


• Use .. to go up directories


• Hidden files start with .


• Everything in Linux is a file (even directories)

Full Blog

For an interactive 3D visualization: https://www.hackers-game.com/2021/03/08/gnu-linux-filesystem-in-3d/

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