acl_extended_file_nofollow - Linux

Overview

acl_extended_file_nofollow is a file access control utility for Linux systems. It allows extended access control list (ACL) management for file and directory paths. It provides more granular control over file permissions, enabling the assignment of specific permissions to individual users, groups, or other entities.

Syntax

acl_extended_file_nofollow [options] file_or_directory

Options/Flags

  • -d, –delete: Delete all ACL entries.
  • -e, –edit: Edit existing ACL.
  • -g, –group: Set or modify group permissions.
  • -m, –mask: Set or modify mask permissions.
  • -n, –name: Set or modify named permissions.
  • -o, –other: Set or modify other permissions.
  • -p, –path: Specify the file or directory path.
  • -r, –remove: Remove specified ACL entry.
  • -s, –set: Set or modify the specified permission.
  • -u, –user: Set or modify user permissions.
  • -v, –view: View existing ACL.

Examples

View ACL for a file:

acl_extended_file_nofollow -v /path/to/file.txt

Set ACL to allow user "alice" read access to a directory:

acl_extended_file_nofollow -s -u alice:r /path/to/directory

Remove ACL entry for "bob":

acl_extended_file_nofollow -r -u bob /path/to/file.txt

Edit existing ACL to grant "group" write access:

acl_extended_file_nofollow -e -s -g:w /path/to/file.txt

Common Issues

  • Permission denied: Ensure the user running the command has sufficient permissions to modify ACLs.
  • Invalid path: Verify that the specified file or directory path is valid.
  • Unsupported file system: ACLs are not supported by all file systems. Check the file system type.
  • Entry not found: When removing an entry using -r, ensure the entry exists in the ACL.

Integration

acl_extended_file_nofollow can be integrated into scripts and command chains for automated ACL management. For example:

find /path/to/directory -type f -exec acl_extended_file_nofollow -s -u alice:r {} \;

Related Commands

  • setfacl
  • getfacl
  • chmod