How to View Hidden Files and Folders on Linux?

Linux is a highly versatile and open-source operating system that provides great flexibility for users, especially power users and developers. One of its core strengths is how efficiently it handles files and directories, including those that are hidden for security or configuration purposes. Hidden files and folders in Linux are files that are not visible by default in file managers and terminal listings. They usually start with a dot (.) in their filenames and often contain configuration settings or system information which users do not interact with directly on a day-to-day basis.

TL;DR

Hidden files and folders in Linux typically start with a dot and are used to store user or system configuration data. You can view them easily by using file manager shortcuts or terminal commands. The ls -a command in the terminal will list all hidden and non-hidden files. Most graphical file managers also provide a “Show Hidden Files” option under the View menu or triggered by the Ctrl + H shortcut.

What Are Hidden Files in Linux?

In Linux, hidden files and directories are items that begin with a dot (.) in their names. For example, .bashrc and .config are common hidden files and directories in a user’s home directory. These files are hidden by default in both terminal output and graphical file managers to avoid accidental modifications or deletions, as they often contain application or system configuration data.

This design choice keeps clutter to a minimum and ensures the user interface remains clean and simple, presenting only essential data most users need day-to-day.

How to View Hidden Files and Folders Using the Terminal

Viewing hidden files in a Linux terminal is extremely simple and efficient. There are several commands and options you can use, depending on your preferences:

• ls -a: This is the most straightforward way to list all files, including hidden ones, in the current directory.
• ls -la or ls -al: This command lists files with additional information such as permissions, ownership, and modification dates, including hidden files.

$ ls -a
.  ..  .bashrc  .config  Documents  Downloads

In the output above, files prefixed with a dot are hidden by default. The two special entries, . (current directory) and .. (parent directory), are also included in the listing.

How to View Hidden Files Through a File Manager

Most Linux desktop environments come with a graphical file manager like Nautilus (GNOME), Dolphin (KDE), or Thunar (XFCE). You can view hidden files using these simple steps:

• Press Ctrl + H: This shortcut works in many popular file managers to toggle hidden files on and off.
• Use the View Menu: Look for a menu called View or Settings and enable the “Show Hidden Files” or similar option.

When this option is enabled, files that start with a dot (.) will be displayed in the file window, usually with faded or light-colored icons to distinguish them from standard files.

Using the find Command to Locate Hidden Files

To search for all hidden files recursively in a certain directory, the find command is very useful.

$ find . -name ".*"

This command looks for any file or directory that starts with a dot in the current directory and all its subdirectories. You can replace the dot . at the beginning with any other directory path to run the search there.

For example, to find all hidden files in your home directory:

$ find /home/username -name ".*"

Keep in mind that this will also list directories like . and .., so you might want to exclude them with additional parameters.

Using du and du -ah to Check Hidden File Sizes

Hidden files sometimes consume significant space without users realizing it. You can use the du command to view disk usage, including hidden files and directories.

$ du -ah . | grep "/\."

This command lists the disk usage of all items in the current directory (including hidden ones) and filters the result to display only hidden files/directories.

Why Are Hidden Files Important?

Hidden files play critical roles in Linux systems. Here are a few reasons why they matter:

• Configuration Storage: Applications often use configuration files stored as hidden files. For example, .bashrc configures shell behavior, and .gitconfig configures Git.
• System Settings: Desktop environments store preferences and settings in hidden folders like .config or .local.
• Cache and Logs: Some hidden directories store cached files or log files specific to users or sessions.

Best Practices When Dealing with Hidden Files

Although it’s easy to reveal hidden files, it is essential to be cautious when modifying or deleting them. Here are some best practices:

• Backup First: Before editing or removing a file like .bashrc, make a backup by copying it to another location.
• Read Documentation: Understand what a file does before changing it. Many hidden files are integral to system or application behavior.
• Use a Safe Editor: If editing a configuration file, use a text editor you’re familiar with and always double-check syntax.

Customizing Visibility Settings Permanently

In some file managers, there’s an option to make the “Show Hidden Files” setting persistent. You can usually find this under preferences, ensuring that hidden files are always shown whenever you open the file manager.

In terminal-based file managers like mc (Midnight Commander), hidden files are usually shown by default, but these settings can be adjusted in the UI preferences or config files.

File Permissions with Hidden Files

Remember, hidden files follow the same Linux file permissions model as regular files. You can view their permissions using:

$ ls -la

To change permissions, use the chmod command. For example:

$ chmod 600 .myhiddenconfig

This would make the file readable and writable only by the owner, offering some protection against unauthorized access.

Conclusion

While Linux hides certain files and directories to simplify user experience and prevent accidental mistakes, accessing these files is simple and manageable for any user. Whether using a terminal or a graphical interface, revealing and managing hidden files can provide deeper insights into system behavior and user preferences. By following the appropriate commands and best practices, Linux users can explore hidden files safely and efficiently.

FAQs

• Q: What is a hidden file in Linux?
  A: A hidden file is any file or folder that begins with a dot (.). These files are not shown by default in file listings and usually contain configuration or system data.
• Q: How can I show hidden files in the terminal?
  A: Use the ls -a command to list all files, including hidden ones.
• Q: Is it safe to edit hidden files?
  A: Yes, but you should proceed with caution. Always make backups and know the purpose of the file before modifying it.
• Q: How can I hide a file again after making it visible?
  A: Simply rename the file to start with a dot again. For example, mv myfile .myfile.
• Q: Can I make hidden files visible permanently in my file manager?
  A: Yes. Many file managers allow you to save this setting under preferences or navigation behavior.