Red Hat ENTERPRISE LINUX 4 - STEP BY STEP GUIDE Manual page 50

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3.3.1.3. System Files
— a configuration file; configuration files sometimes use the
• .conf
— a lock file; determines whether a program or device is in use
• .lock
— a Red Hat Package Manager file used to install software
•
.rpm
3.3.1.4. Programming and Scripting Files
— a C program language source code file
• .c
— a C++ program language source code file
• .cpp
— a C or C++ program language header file
• .h
— a program object file
• .o
— a Perl script
• .pl
— a Python script
•
.py
— a library file
• .so
— a shell script
• .sh
— a TCL script
• .tcl
3.3.2. Naming Conventions
3.3.2.1. Dot Files
Files whose name begins with a ".", called "dot" files, are hidden files. These files can be viewed in
both graphical file managers like Nautilus and from the shell prompt, but require an extra step to reveal
them. In Nautilus, select View => Show Hidden Files. From a shell prompt, list the files in your home
directory by entering the command
may be surprised by the number of files in what you thought was an empty directory. These hidden
files are usually configuration files for applications. They are hidden to prevent accidental changes
and to remove clutter from the user's home directory.
3.3.2.2. Using Spaces in File Names
While Linux allows file names with spaces in them, manipulating these files from a shell prompt can
be quite cumbersome. The shell prompt expects a space to separate two files or commands, and may
mis-interpret such a filename. To manipulate files with spaces in their names, surround the name with
quotation marks.
3.3.2.3. Using Symbols in File Names
It is possible to use punctuation marks in your file names. However, be aware that these special char-
acters have special meaning to the shell and may cause errors at a shell prompt. It is generally recom-
mended that you avoid using special characters in file names for this reason. If you choose to use file
names with special characters, use quotes around the file names when manipulating them from a shell
prompt.
Chapter 3. Managing Files and Directories
. If you view the hidden files in your home directory, you
ls -al
extension, as well
.cfg