Quick Tip

Instant File Metadata with `stat`

Challenge: You need to quickly see detailed information about a file, such as its size, permissions, ownership, and timestamps, without navigating through lengthy `ls` output or using multiple commands.

The Solution: The `stat` command provides a concise and comprehensive overview of a file’s metadata.

stat [filename]

Why it works: The `stat` command reads the inode information for a specified file and presents it in a human-readable format, offering more detail than standard `ls` flags.

Pro-Tip: Use `stat -c ‘%n %s %U %G’ [filename]` for a custom output showing name, size, owner, and group.

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 5/24/2026