File Types & Paths

In Linux, a "File" is the basic unit of storage. Understanding the different types of files and how to locate them using paths is fundamental to working in a terminal.

1. Types of Files

Linux categorizes everything as a file, but there are three main types you will encounter:

📄 General Files

These are the most common files. They contain data, text, or programs.

• Examples: Text files (.txt), source code (.js, .py), compiled binaries, and images.

📁 Directory Files

In Linux, a directory is also a file that contains information about other files and directories.

• Note: You navigate through directory files using the cd command.

🔌 Device Files

These special files represent hardware components like hard drives, keyboards, or printers. They allow the OS to communicate with physical devices as if they were files.

• Location: Usually found in the /dev directory.

2. Understanding Paths

A "Path" is the address of a file or directory in the system. There are two ways to specify a path.

Absolute Path

An absolute path specifies the location from the root directory (/). It always starts with a forward slash.

• Example: /home/user/documents/report.pdf
• Analogy: Giving someone the full latitude and longitude of a location.

Relative Path

A relative path specifies the location relative to your current directory. It does not start with a /.

• .: Represents the current directory.
• ..: Represents the parent directory (one level up).
• Example: docs/notes.txt (if you are already in the project folder).
• Analogy: Telling someone to "go two blocks down and turn left."

[!TIP] Pro Tip Use the pwd command anytime you are lost to see your current absolute path.