Lab
A Cloud Guru

Exploring the Linux File Types

UNIX and Linux systems have a variety of file types, and do not require extensions. This situation seems designed to cause confusion for anyone having to manage system files. Even worse is attempting to determine what is the type of a file that has been created by another administrator of the system, or that was installed and has no further documentation.

Try for free Contact sales

Path Info

Level

Beginner

Duration

30m

Published

Nov 27, 2019

Challenge

Use the ls, file, and stat Commands on Various Files on Your System to Determine File Type Information
Commands used to examine files on the system.

Move into the /dev directory
```
cd /dev
```
In this directory determine file types.
```
ls -l
```
```
cd /etc
file * | less
```
locate the aliases files. cat the DB file
```
cat aliases.db
```
clear the terminal of non std characters.
```
reset
```
read the file in octal or hex format
```
od aliases.db

hexdump aliases.db
```
Challenge

Understand the Important Differences Between Regular Files, Directory Files and Hard and Soft Links Using Various Commands

View file and directory details using the ls command, create a regular file, and then create a hard link and a soft link that the file. Display the differences between the hard and soft links using ls -l options for more information and lastly view more information about the files with the stat command, including their types as defined in the magic number files.

Author

A Cloud Guru

The Cloud Content team comprises subject matter experts hyper focused on services offered by the leading cloud vendors (AWS, GCP, and Azure), as well as cloud-related technologies such as Linux and DevOps. The team is thrilled to share their knowledge to help you build modern tech solutions from the ground up, secure and optimize your environments, and so much more!

What's a lab?

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

Provided environment for hands-on practice

We will provide the credentials and environment necessary for you to practice right within your browser.

Guided walkthrough

Follow along with the author’s guided walkthrough and build something new in your provided environment!

Did you know?

On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you get time for practice.

Start learning by doing today

View Plans