The UNIX directory tree is structured based on the type of use of the files. A typical UNIX setup includes the following directories under the root directory (/):
Directory | Contents |
---|---|
/bin |
Essential executables, used by all users |
/boot |
Files needed to start the system, including the kernel |
/dev |
Interfaces to system hardware (devices) |
/etc |
Configuration files of all software and the system
itself |
/home |
Users' home directories, which include personal files |
/lib |
Essential libraries and kernel modules (drivers) |
/mnt |
Mount-points of foreign filesystems (see below) |
/opt |
Optional files and programs (usually empty) |
/proc |
Interface to the kernel and running processes |
/root |
Home directory of the root user |
/sbin |
Essential system executables for use mostly by root |
/tmp |
Temporary files, writable by all users |
/usr |
All non-essential programs and program data |
/var |
Variable system files, such as logs, mail, and print
jobs |