Interview Questions/Phone Screen/Linux File Permissions Basics
BeginnerPhone
2 min

Linux File Permissions Basics

LinuxSystem AdministrationSecurity
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Interview Question

Explain the meaning of rwx for user, group, and others, and how chmod/chown modify permissions.

Key Points to Cover
  • r=read, w=write, x=execute across user/group/others
  • `chmod` changes mode (symbolic or octal), `chown` changes owner/group
  • Common octal: 644 files, 755 dirs/binaries
Evaluation Rubric
Correctly explains rwx and U/G/O40% weight
Describes chmod usage30% weight
Describes chown usage30% weight
Hints
  • 💡Remember directories need x to enter.
Potential Follow-up Questions
  • What is umask?
  • How do setuid/setgid/sticky bits work?
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