Quick Tip

Instant File Metadata with `stat`

Challenge: You need to quickly get detailed information about a file, such as its permissions, ownership, size, and timestamps, without opening it or using lengthy commands.

The Solution: Use the `stat` command.

stat [filename]

Why it works: The `stat` command is a powerful utility that displays detailed file or file system status. It provides a comprehensive overview of a file’s metadata, making it ideal for quick inspection.

Pro-Tip: Use `stat -c “%a %U %G %s %y” [filename]` for a concise output of permissions, owner, group, size, and last modification time.

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 5/3/2026