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How does linux recognize file types?

 
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# 1  
Old 06-15-2011
How does linux recognize file types?
Hey ,

I was wondering how does Linux recognize file types if he doesn't use extensions to determine the file type ?

It's just a question not for a script or something else.

thnxSmilie
# 2  
Old 06-15-2011
There is a program called file which uses a database of "magic numbers" ( /usr/share/magic) to determine the content-type of a file.
This User Gave Thanks to Skrynesaver For This Post:
Eclecticaa
# 3  
Old 06-15-2011
Thanks i just found on google the same answer
# 4  
Old 06-15-2011
Unlike Windows, it has an executable bit to help tell programs apart from random files. But the kernel's job in detecting file types is fairly easy. Executables and libraries start with "\7fELF". Script files begin with #!. Anything else won't go.
 
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