Linux Basics: Where Are Those Hidden Files?

Unlike MS Windows’ file system (NTFS), hidding a file on Linux is not done by setting it’s hidden attribute: it’s done by setting its name. That’s right. File names that start by a “.” are automatically hidden. Here are a few examples of common hidden files on Linux systems:

• .htaccess
• .profile
• .bash_history

To list all files including hidden ones in a Linux shell, type:

# ls -al

Hidden Files & FTP 

Many FTP clients do not show hidden files by default. You may have to enable this features to view remote hidden files. În Filezilla for example, you have to click on View => Show Hidden Files.

Creating Hidden Linux Files On Windows

Perhaps you may have tried to create a file named .htaccess on your Windows-based computer an you weren’t allowed to do so. Microsoft Windows does not allow a file name starting by a dot.

The only workaround is to create a file name acceptable by Windows and change it once the file is uploaded to the server. However, you could download such a file on your Windows PC but you can’t create a new one…

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