why do you hid file in Unix


 
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# 1  
Old 02-25-2008
why do you hid file in Unix

This question was asked in phone interview for Unix position ? I had quick formal reply "because of security purpose" but he wanted in depth answer, what it could be ?

Last edited by imran44; 02-25-2008 at 05:26 PM.. Reason: why do you hide file in Unix not hid
# 2  
Old 02-25-2008
There are a couple reasons why you hide files in unix, or any OS for that matter; but when you give a canned, open ended answer like "security purpose" you leave yourself open to the "could you please elaborate?" response. What security purpose?

If, on the other hand, you know a reason why you'd hide a file in unix, say "not clutter my terminal window when I do an ls command", or "that way I won't delete a critical config file when removing files with * ", then the interviewer can at least assume you know what you are talking about.

Sure some interviewers are looking for a particular answer, and if someone asks you a question that can have multiple answers depending on the situation, then I think is ok to say "it depends on the situation, what are you looking for?"
# 3  
Old 02-25-2008
Hammer & Screwdriver Hidden files

They would not be in plain site, thus
(a) not visible to ls or rm commands - and these are the typical tools used by users
(b) configuration and settings files

In general:
for safety sake to keep from deleting or modifying by mistake
to secure and group together

Think of it this way, you push open the door and walk into a room. You can now tell everything about the room, right? Did you step out of the way and see what is BEHIND the door? Perhaps something interesting or important! A hidden file can be the same thing - there to be found, if you remember to look for it.
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