Trying to explain Linux filesystem hierarchy simply (feedback welcome)

[anom538]

When I started Linux I found the directory structure confusing, especially directories like /etc, /usr and /var.

So I tried to write a structured explanation of:
• What each directory does
• Common beginner mistakes
• How FHS organizes everything

If anyone experienced wants to point out anything I missed, I would appreciate feedback.

Linux File System Explained: Understanding the Directory Structure (FHS Guide)

 

[wizardfromoz]

@anom538 you have just joined up, and as a part of that, agreed to our Terms and Rules, which includes

AI-generated posts and replies MUST be clearly disclosed. If AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, etc.) were used to write any portion of your post, include a note such as 'AI-assisted' or 'Generated with AI' in your message.

I consider that the article you linked to is written if not entirely with the use of AI, then predominantly with the assistance of same.

You have not acknowledged that.

Chris Turner
wizardfromoz

 

[Deleted member 197709]

No AI here... When using and learning Linux, You become familiar with its file system structure. After some time you begin to actually understand it to some extent. It makes a lot of sense.

What confused me for a time was Android phones having the basic same structure, then learning it was based on Linux. Then the playstore fiasco. It seemed to me that GPL was being broken for profit. That was just me looking from the outside in. I'm no expert on the subject by any means. I do prefer an Android phone with a bootloader unlocked, so I can rid it of 90 percent of it's junk, to make it just a phone again. Yea, I could get a old fashion non smart flip phone an be happy, It's just fun to me to undo the junk factor. Me being techy... keeps me on my toes.

Anyway, Linus truly knew what he was doing in creating Linux! He's immortal even if he doesn't know it.

KInna like some musicians long gone, will never really ever be gone, due to their creations that can never really die, that so many people adore, and hang on to.

I suspect in the far future, astronauts will land on some planet outside our solar system, and the computer that helped them get there will have code written by Linus in it... Hence Linux. Just my prediction is all, as I help design stuff for space travel on special software running on Unix.

 

[Brickwizard]

no "intelligence faux" this end either,
once you have been using Linux for a while you will see how logical it is compared to other systems, yes it has its idiosyncrasies such as funny names for dependencies but its nothing to worry about as most Linux installers will automatically install what you need any way.

 

[Deleted member 197709]

Linux is cool. I'm sure we could all do without the, "the world going nuts thing", that someone keeps trying to revive. Thank You to the moderators for closing that junk when it pops up! Those believing everything they read is part of what drives us all nuts. LOL

Staying sane is ignoring that kind of paranoia. Especially in a cool Linux forum.