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lsattr

file attributesLinux

The lsattr command is one of the most frequently used commands in Linux/Unix-like operating systems. lsattr List file attributes on a Linux file system

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Quick Reference

Command Name:

lsattr

Category:

file attributes

Platform:

Linux

Basic Usage:

lsattr [options] [arguments]

Common Use Cases

Syntax

lsattr [options] [files...]

Options

Option	Description
`-a`	List all files in directories, including hidden files
`-d`	List directory attributes instead of contents
`-R`	Recursively list attributes of directories and their contents
`-v`	List the file's version/generation number
`-l`	Show attributes using long names instead of one-character flags
`-p`	List the file's project number
`-D`	Show actual flags being set/displayed
`-V`	Display version information
`-h`	Display help information

Examples

How to Use These Examples

The examples below show common ways to use the lsattr command. Try them in your terminal to see the results. You can copy any example by clicking on the code block.

# Basic Examples Basic

lsattr file.txt

Display the attributes of file.txt.

lsattr /etc/passwd

Display the attributes of the passwd file.

# Advanced Examples Advanced

lsattr -a /home/user Display all files in the directory, including hidden files. lsattr -d /home/user Display attributes of the directory itself, not its contents. lsattr -R /var/log Recursively list attributes of all files in the /var/log directory and its subdirectories. lsattr -v /dev/sda1 Display the version/generation number of the file. lsattr -l file.txt Show the attributes with long names instead of single-character flags.

Try It Yourself

Practice makes perfect! The best way to learn is by trying these examples on your own system with real files.

Understanding Syntax

Pay attention to the syntax coloring: commands, options, and file paths are highlighted differently.

Notes

The 'lsattr' command is used to display file attributes on Linux file systems, particularly on ext2, ext3, and ext4 file systems. These attributes are different from the standard file permissions and provide additional control over how files behave. Key features of the lsattr command: 1. File Attribute Display: The primary function of lsattr is to show special attributes that may be set on files, such as immutability, append-only mode, or no-backup flags. 2. Security Management: Many of the attributes viewable with lsattr are related to security and file protection, helping administrators identify files with special security settings. 3. System File Identification: It helps identify system files that have been configured with special attributes to prevent accidental modification or deletion. 4. Filesystem Feature Support: Not all attributes are supported on all filesystems, and lsattr helps determine which attributes are set and supported on particular files. 5. Complementary to chattr: lsattr works in tandem with the chattr command, which is used to change these file attributes. lsattr displays what chattr sets. Common file attributes visible through lsattr include: - 'i' (immutable): File cannot be modified, deleted, renamed, or linked to - 'a' (append-only): File can only be opened in append mode - 's' (secure deletion): File will be securely deleted (contents zeroed when deleted) - 'c' (compressed): File is compressed on disk - 'e' (extent format): File uses extents for mapping blocks on disk - 'j' (journaled data): File data is journaled - 'd' (no dump): File is not backed up by the dump utility - 'A' (no atime update): File's access time is not updated - 'S' (synchronous updates): Changes to this file are written synchronously to disk The lsattr command is particularly useful for system administrators who need to: - Audit file security settings - Troubleshoot issues related to file modifications - Verify that critical system files have appropriate protection attributes - Check for files that might be exempt from regular backup routines It's important to note that file attributes are separate from the standard file permissions (read, write, execute) and provide an additional layer of control over file behavior.

Related Commands

These commands are frequently used alongside lsattr or serve similar purposes:

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Use Cases

Learn By Doing

The best way to learn Linux commands is by practicing. Try out these examples in your terminal to build muscle memory and understand how the lsattr command works in different scenarios.

See Examples Try Lab Exercises

$ lsattr

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