whatis etc-directory
/etc
Also known as: etc directory
The directory holding system-wide configuration files such as /etc/fstab, /etc/passwd, /etc/hosts, and service configs.
What Is the /etc Directory in Linux?
Almost every system-level setting on Linux is a plain text file under /etc. Users are in /etc/passwd and /etc/group, mounts in /etc/fstab, name resolution in /etc/hosts and /etc/resolv.conf, and daemon configs in subdirectories like /etc/ssh/.
Because it is all text, /etc is easy to back up and track with Git. Package managers treat these as config files and will not silently overwrite your edits on upgrade.
Example
sudo grep -r PermitRootLogin /etc/ssh/Learn more about /etc
- The /etc Directory Explained /etc is where Linux keeps system-wide configuration files. This guide explains what belongs in /etc, how it is organized, and the safe way to edit configuration without breaking your system.