Quick Tip

Instant File Metadata with `stat`

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

The Solution: Use the `stat` command.

stat <filename>

Why it works: The `stat` command is specifically designed to display file or file system status. It retrieves and presents a wealth of metadata in a human-readable format, including access, modification, and change times, along with detailed permission and ownership information.

Pro-Tip: For a more concise output, use `stat -c “%a %U %G %s %n” <filename>` to display only permissions, owner, group, size, and filename.

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