lsattr Linux Command Guide
The Linux lsattr command is used to view and modify file attributes on ext2/ext3/ext4 file systems. It displays the attributes of files and directories, such as whether a file can be modified, deleted, or whether the file is immutable. By using lsattr, you can control the behavior of files and directories to enhance security and prevent accidental changes.
lsattr Syntax:
Section titled “lsattr Syntax:”lsattr [option] [parameter]Options:
Section titled “Options:”| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| -a | List all files in specified directories |
| -d | List directories like other files |
| -E | Cancel the effect of any previous -R |
| -R | Recursively list attributes in directories |
| -V | Output version information and exit |
Parameters:
Section titled “Parameters:”| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| filename | File or directory name to show attributes for |
| directory | List attributes for the directory and its contents |
lsattr Command Samples:
Section titled “lsattr Command Samples:”List Permissions of a File
Section titled “List Permissions of a File”lsattr file.txtDisplay the attributes of a specific file named “file.txt”.
View All Attributes of a Directory
Section titled “View All Attributes of a Directory”lsattr -d directoryShow all attributes of a directory named “directory”.
Show Only Inode Status
Section titled “Show Only Inode Status”lsattr -i file.txtDisplay only the inode status of a file named “file.txt”.
Recursively List File and Directory Attributes
Section titled “Recursively List File and Directory Attributes”lsattr -R /path/to/directoryList recursively all attributes of files and directories within the specified directory.
Display Attributes with Long Listing Format
Section titled “Display Attributes with Long Listing Format”lsattr -l file.txtShow the attributes of a file with a long listing format.
Modify Immutable Attribute of a File
Section titled “Modify Immutable Attribute of a File”lsattr -i +i file.txtSet the immutable attribute for a file named “file.txt”.
Remove Immutable Attribute from a File
Section titled “Remove Immutable Attribute from a File”lsattr -i -i file.txtRemove the immutable attribute from a file named “file.txt”.
lsattr FAQ:
Section titled “lsattr FAQ:”{Questions}
How do I use lsattr in Linux?
Section titled “How do I use lsattr in Linux?”To use the lsattr command in Linux, execute the following command:
lsattr --A /path/to/directoryWhat does the lsattr command display in Linux?
Section titled “What does the lsattr command display in Linux?”The lsattr command displays the attributes of files or directories in Linux.
How can I view all attributes of a file using lsattr?
Section titled “How can I view all attributes of a file using lsattr?”To view all attributes of a file in Linux, you can use the following command syntax:
lsattr -d /path/to/fileHow do I remove a specific attribute from a file with lsattr?
Section titled “How do I remove a specific attribute from a file with lsattr?”To remove a specific attribute from a file using lsattr in Linux, you can use the following command structure:
chattr -<attribute> /path/to/fileCan lsattr display only a specific type of attribute?
Section titled “Can lsattr display only a specific type of attribute?”Yes, lsattr in Linux can be used to display only a specific type of attribute using the following command format:
lsattr -a /path/to/directoryHow do I recursively list attributes of files and directories with lsattr?
Section titled “How do I recursively list attributes of files and directories with lsattr?”To recursively list attributes of files and directories in Linux using lsattr, you can execute the command as follows:
lsattr -R /path/to/directoryApplications of the lsattr command
Section titled “Applications of the lsattr command”- Viewing the attributes of files and directories on a Linux system
- Checking if a file or directory has immutable, append-only, or other special attributes set
- Determining if a file or directory is protected against certain operations
- Managing advanced file and directory permissions and protections on a Linux system