Quick Tip

Unmasking Hidden File Permissions with `stat`

Challenge: Sometimes, when checking file permissions with `ls -l`, you might be unsure about the exact ownership or more granular details beyond the standard rwx. This can be particularly true in shared environments or after complex file operations.

The Solution: The `stat` command provides a wealth of information about files, including their permissions in both symbolic and octal formats, ownership, and more.

stat filename

Why it works: `stat` directly queries the filesystem’s metadata for the specified file, presenting a detailed breakdown that goes beyond the summarized view of `ls -l`.

Pro-Tip: To get just the octal permissions, use `stat -c “%a” filename`.

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 4/28/2026