File Types of UNIX systems

File Types of UNIX systems
Regular file ). This is the most common file type, which contains some form of data. As for whether the data is text or binary data, there is no difference in the UNIX kernel. The content of a common file is interpreted by the application that processes the file.

Directory file ). This file contains the names of other files and pointers to information related to these files. Any process that has read permission on a directory file can read the content of the directory, but only the kernel can directly write the directory file. The process must use the corresponding function to change the directory.

Block special file ). This type of file provides buffer-based access to devices (such as disks). Each access is performed in a fixed length unit.

Character special file ). This type of file provides access to the device without buffering. The length of each access is variable. All devices in the system are either special character files or block special files.

FIFO. This type of file is used for inter-process communication, also known as the named pipe (named pipe ).

Socket ). This type of file is used for network communication between processes. A socket can also be used for non-network communication between processes on a host.

Symbolic link ). This type of file points to another file.