Map the root, learn where services, logs and users live, and gain confidence navigating any Linux host. 16.11.2025 | reading time: 3 min The Linux directory hierarchy is a map: learn the conventions and you move faster, fix problems quicker and manage systems with confidence. Peek at the Root Try this on any Linux box to see the top-level layout and a few entries in action. ```bash $ ls -ld / drwxr-xr-x 18 root root 4096 Apr 01 12:00 / $ ls -l / | sed -n '1,8p' total 64 drwxr-xr-x 2 root root 4096 Apr 01 09:00 bin drwxr-xr-x 3 root root 4096 Apr 01 09:10 boot drwxr-xr-x 20 root root 4096 Apr 01 12:00 home drwxr-xr-x 2 root root 4096 Apr 01 09:05 etc ``` You see `/` as the anchor, `/etc` for configuration, `/home` for user data and `/bin` for essential commands; run `ls -l /var/log` next to inspect logs. Know What Lives Where Look, don't just memorize: `/etc` holds system configuration readable by root, `/var` grows with runtime data like logs and mail, `/usr` contains shareable, mostly read-only programs and libraries, `/opt` is for add-on packages, and `/srv` may contain service data; also remember `/proc` and `/sys` are virtual filesystems exposing kernel state and process info. Practical pitfalls and uses Permissions and mount points change behavior: a full `/var` can stop services, a misconfigured `/etc/fstab` breaks boots, and symlinks such as `/bin -> /usr/bin` can unify executables; when troubleshooting, check ownership, disk usage and mounts rather than moving files blindly. Relevant commands to know Use `find` to locate files by name or attribute, `du` and `df` to measure disk usage, `stat` to inspect file metadata, `mount` and `lsblk` to see devices and mount points, and `systemctl` to link unit files under `/etc` or `/usr` to running services. Wrap-up and next step Understanding the hierarchy turns mystery into system knowledge; start exploring real systems, practice restoring configurations and inspect logs after simulated failures, then consider formalizing that skill with certifications such as CompTIA Linux+ or LPIC-1 — bitsandbytes.academy offers intensive exam preparation to help you get there. Join Bits & Bytes Academy First class LINUX exam preparation. filesystem utilities boot-process troubleshooting
