What is stat Linux command?

The Linux stat command is used to display detailed file or file system status information. This powerful command provides access to a wide range of data, including file type, permissions, size, access time, modification time, inode number, and much more.

stat Syntax:

stat [option] [file]

stat Options:

Option	Description
-L	Follow symbolic links
-c	Display information in specified format
-f	Display file system status instead
-t	Show information in a terse format
-h	Print help message
-V	Print version information

Caution

Exercise caution when using the stat command, as incorrect usage may lead to unexpected results or errors.

Parameters:

Parameter	Description
file	Specify the file to retrieve information

stat Command Usage Examples:

Check File Information

stat filename.txt

Displays detailed information about the file “filename.txt”.

Display File Inode Number

stat -c %i filename.txt

Shows the inode number of the file “filename.txt”.

View File Permissions in Octal Format

stat -c %a filename.txt

Prints the file permissions of “filename.txt” in octal format.

Show File Birth Time

stat -c %w filename.txt

Retrieves the birth time of the file “filename.txt”.

Get Device ID and Inode in Human-Readable Format

stat -c "Device: %D Inode: %i" filename.txt

Displays the device ID and inode of “filename.txt” in a human-readable format.

Tip

When using the stat command in Linux, remember to check the available options and customize the output according to your needs. Additionally, combining stat with other commands can provide more detailed information about files and directories.

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Applications of the stat command

• Checking file or directory details
• Retrieving information on file size
• Determining file permissions
• Viewing file timestamps
• Checking information on file type