Quick Tip

Master `stat` for Instant File Metadata

Challenge: You need to quickly find out file ownership, permissions, size, timestamps, and other metadata for a file or directory without opening it or using multiple commands.

The Solution: The `stat` command provides a wealth of information about files in a single, human-readable output.

stat [filename_or_directory]

Why it works: `stat` is a low-level utility that directly queries the filesystem for file metadata, presenting it in a comprehensive and organized format.

Pro-Tip: Use `stat -c “%U %G %s %n” [filename]` to get just the owner’s username, group’s name, size in bytes, and the filename respectively.

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 5/4/2026