Files and folders are located in a predictable location across almost all Linux distributions, this is known as the filesystem hierarchy standard (FHS). At the base of the file structure is the root, all other locations are arranged relative to this.
Important directories and their respective uses are listed in the table below.
| Directory | Description |
|---|---|
| / | The root of the filesystem (only one on a system). Files and folders are arranged relative to this location. |
| /bin | Binaries (programs) the system needs to work. |
| /boot | Contains kernel and initial filesystem. |
| /dev | References to devices on the filesystem. |
| /etc | Configuration files for software and tools. |
| /home | Stores users’ home folders (data) |
| /lib | Libraries associated with system binaries |
| /media | Mount point for removable media |
| /mnt | Mount point for hard drives, network shares, etc. |
| /opt | User-installed software (optional packages). |
| /proc | Represents information about kernel and processes. |
| /root | Home folder for root user. |
| /run | Information about running processes (PIDs, etc.). |
| /sbin | System binaries. |
| /srv | Files served by the system. |
| /sys | Represents parts of the system (fs, devices, etc.). |
| /tmp | Temporary information that can be erased. |
| /usr | Another location for system and user binaries. |
| /var | Files that can vary (logs, etc.). |