LPI Linux Certification in a Nutshell, 2nd Edition

Objective 8: Find System Files and Place Files in the Correct Location

In 1993, the Linux community formed a project to provide a standardized filesystem layout for all general-purpose distributions of Linux. The intent of this standardization was to provide advice on how to reduce the proliferation of proprietary Linux filesystem layouts and their possible contribution to market fragmentation.

The project released a document describing the Linux Filesystem Standard, usually abbreviated FSSTND, in 1994. The following year, the group began to reduce Linux-specific content and to refine the standard to include other Unix or Unix-like operating systems. As the FSSTND attracted broader appeal, it was renamed the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard. Although the FHS is not a requirement of Linux developers and distributors, the Linux community understands the importance of standards, and all major distributions support the standard.

Tip

The full FHS specification is available at http://www.pathname.com/fhs/. The information in this chapter is consistent with version 2.2 of the specification.

Data Types

To frame its recommendations, the FHS defines two categories of data use, each with two opposing subtypes:

Data sharing

This category defines the scope of data use in a networked environment:

Sharable

Sharable data can be used by multiple host systems on a network. Sharable files contain general-purpose information, without ties to any specific host. Examples include user datafiles, executable ...