Module 3~9 min
Understanding File Permissions
Linux controls who can read, write, or run each file through a permissions system. This lesson introduces the basics.
What You'll Learn
- The three types of file permissions
- Who permissions apply to
- How to read a basic permissions listing
Read, Write, and Execute
Every file has three basic permissions: read (view its contents), write (modify it), and execute (run it as a program or script).
Owner, Group, and Others
Permissions are set separately for the file's owner, its group, and everyone else. This allows fine-grained control over exactly who can do what with a file.
Example
A script might be set so the owner can read, write, and run it, their group can only read and run it, and everyone else has no access at all.
Key Concepts
PermissionsOwnerExecute
Key Takeaways
- The three basic permissions are read, write, and execute
- Permissions are set separately for owner, group, and others
- This system allows fine-grained control over file access
Knowledge Check
Which permission allows a file to be run as a program?