Hi everyone!
I'm continuing my 30-day Linux challenge as part of my preparation for the RHCSA certification.
Today, for Day 2, I’m excited to walk you through one of the most important — but often overlooked — topics in Linux: File System Hierarchy. 🧡
If you’re completely new to Linux, or starting your RHCSA journey, understanding how files and directories are organized isn’t just nice to know — it’s absolutely essential.
In this article, I’ll break down:
✅ What the Linux File System Hierarchy really means
✅ How each directory is used practically in real-world IT systems
✅ Easy comparisons with Windows, so anyone — even from a non-technical background — can follow
✅ Real-life IT use cases
✅ Pro tips to remember things faster
Let’s dive in together! ⚡
📁 What Is the Linux File System Hierarchy?
In Linux, everything starts from a single root — /.
Unlike Windows where you have drives like C:\, D:\, and so on, in Linux, there’s just one big family tree, starting from /.
All files, folders, programs, and settings live somewhere underneath /.
Think of it like a giant organised city — where every street (folder) has a specific purpose.
✅ This structure keeps Linux modular, organized, and scalable — especially important in server environments where hundreds of applications and users might exist.
🗂️ Quick Overview of Key Directories (Compared to Windows)
🛠 Simple Command to Explore:
🖥️ This command shows you a list of top-level folders in Linux —
Just like opening "This PC" on Windows and seeing your C:\, D:\ drives!
🔥 Why Understanding This Matters (Especially for RHCSA)
- 📂 Navigation becomes second nature — You’ll know where to find logs, configs, apps, or user files.
- 🔍 Troubleshooting becomes faster — No more Googling "where are Linux logs"; you’ll go straight to /var/log.
- 🧠 You think like a SysAdmin — Certifications and real-world IT jobs expect you to move without a GUI.
- 🚀 You feel confident in the terminal — No more feeling “lost”!
💡 RHCSA Exam Tips:
- Many questions revolve around /home, /etc, /var/log.
- Understanding the file system structure helps you solve tasks faster and more confidently.
🧪 Real-World IT Scenarios (You'll Actually Use This!)
✅ Need to find out why your server isn't booting? → Check /boot and /var/log.
✅ Setting up a new Nginx or Apache web server? → Config files live under /etc/.
✅ Creating a new user account? → Their data will be stored under /home/username/.
✅ Installing custom software manually? → It usually goes into /usr/local/bin.
✅ Need to attach a USB drive? → It gets mounted under /mnt or /media.
🧠 Best Practices and Recommendations
💡 Pro Tips for Linux beginners:
- Use ls -l / often to map the system in your mind.
- Spend 5–10 minutes exploring /etc, /var, /usr, etc.
- Don’t just memorize — interact! Real understanding comes from practicing.
- Always compare with Windows in your mind — it makes everything click faster!
🔚 Quick Summary
Today’s lesson might seem basic — but this is the backbone of Linux.
By learning what’s where and why, you’ll manage Linux systems with confidence, just like you navigate Windows.
Every great SysAdmin, DevOps engineer, and Linux power user started right here.
I'd love to hear your thoughts! 🧡
Are you also learning Linux?
What tips helped you when you were starting out?
Let’s grow and learn together! 🚀
Feel free to connect with me here on dev.to or LinkedIn!
