Quick Tip

Master `stat` for Instant File Ownership & Permissions

Challenge: You need to quickly check the ownership and permissions of a file without using `ls -l` and parsing its output.

The Solution: Utilize the `stat` command for immediate and clear file metadata.

stat -c "%U %G %A" filename

Why it works: The `stat` command provides detailed file status information. The `-c` option allows for custom formatting, and the format specifiers `%U` (owner), `%G` (group), and `%A` (access rights in human-readable form) directly display the desired information.

Pro-Tip: Use `stat -c “%x” filename` to see the last access time, modification time (`%y`), and change time (`%z`) in a human-readable format.

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 5/13/2026