Linux File System

Common level 1 directories found in the Linux filesystem:

/: otherwise known as root, the home directory for the root user, the administrative superuser in Linux.

/bin: essential binaries (executable programs) needed for basic system functioning and user commands.

/boot: files related to the boot process, such as the Linux kernel, initial RAM disk (initrd), and boot loader configuration.

/dev: device files that represent and allow access to various devices attached to the system, such as hard drives, terminals, printers, and more.

/etc: system-wide configuration files that define the behavior and settings of various programs and services on the system.

/home: user home directories, where individual users can store their personal files and configurations.

/lib: essential shared libraries (code files) needed by programs during runtime.

/media: Typically used as a mount point for removable media devices such as USB drives, CDs, or DVDs.

/mnt: Often used as a temporary mount point for mounting filesystems or devices.

/opt: Used for installing optional or third-party software packages. It typically contains self-contained software applications or libraries.

/proc: A virtual filesystem that provides information about running processes and system status. It exposes various system and process-related details as files and directories.

/run: runtime data that needs to be available during system startup and across reboots.

/sbin: essential system binaries used for system administration tasks. These binaries generally require administrative privileges to execute.

/srv: Intended for storing data files specific to particular services provided by the system.

/sys: Another virtual filesystem that provides information about the system’s hardware devices, drivers, and kernel settings.

/tmp: A temporary directory where programs and users can store temporary files. The contents of this directory are typically cleared on system reboot.

/usr: user-related files and directories. It includes various subdirectories such as /usr/bin, /usr/lib, /usr/share

/var: variable data files, such as logs, spool files, temporary files, and other data that changes during system operation.