Changing Permissions for a File or Directory

Unix includes a command for setting file or directory permissions: chmod. Although this command can be a bit complicated, it is important. The security of your files and subdirectories depends on its proper usage.

The chmod command uses the following syntax:

chmod mode file ...

The complex part of the chmod command is understanding what can go in the mode operand. This is where you specify the owner (also called user), group, and other (everyone else) permissions. You have two ways to do this: numerically and symbolically.

✓ Tip

  • You can learn more about the chmod command by viewing its man pages. In the Terminal window, type man chmod and press .

Numeric permission modes

Numeric permission modes ...

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