Quick Tip

Unlock Instant File Metadata with `stat`

Challenge: You need to quickly check a file’s ownership, permissions, size, or modification time without using multiple commands like `ls -l` or `find`.

The Solution: The `stat` command provides comprehensive file metadata in a concise format.

stat <filename>

Why it works: `stat` is a dedicated utility for displaying file or filesystem status, designed to provide all relevant information about a file in a single, human-readable output.

Pro-Tip: Use `stat -c %U <filename>` to get just the owner, `stat -c %G <filename>` for the group, or `stat -c %A <filename>` for human-readable permissions.

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 6/20/2026