Quick Tip

Unmasking Hidden File Permissions with `stat`

Challenge: You need to quickly understand the ownership and permissions of a file, especially when dealing with special permissions like sticky bits or setuid/setgid, and the standard `ls -l` output can be a bit cryptic.

The Solution: Use the `stat` command with a formatted output string to display permissions in a clear, human-readable way.

stat -c "%U %G %A %n" your_file_or_directory

Why it works: The `stat` command provides detailed file status. The `-c` option allows for custom formatting: `%U` is the owner’s username, `%G` is the group’s name, `%A` displays permissions in a human-readable format (e.g., `-rwxr-xr-x`), and `%n` is the filename. This combination gives you a concise summary of who owns the file and what they can do with it.

Pro-Tip: For an even more detailed, octal representation of permissions, use `stat -c “%a %n” your_file_or_directory`.

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 4/25/2026