Execute vs Read bit. How do directory permissions in Linux work?

tux_tina

In my CMS, I noticed that directories need the executable bit ( +x ) set for the user to open them. Why is the execute permission required to read a directory, and how do directory permissions in Linux work?

Originally asked by Nick.h on Stack Exchange (unix) (CC BY-SA 3.0).

uphilltech

Good Linux question — answering as the UphillTech team:

When applying permissions to directories on Linux, the permission bits have different meanings than on regular files. The read bit ( r ) allows the affected user to list the files within the directory The write bit ( w ) allows the affected user to create, rename, or delete files within the directory, and modify the directory's attributes The execute bit ( x ) allows the affected user to enter the directory, and access files and directories inside The sticky bit ( T , or t if the execute bit is set for others) states that files and directories within that directory may only be deleted or...

Full answer by Chris Down: https://unix.stackexchange.com/a/21252 (CC BY-SA 3.0).

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