lsattr

The command line tool lsattr is used in Linux systems to list and modify the attributes of files and directories. The name "lsattr" stands for "list attributes."

When executed without any arguments, lsattr displays the attributes of the files and directories in the current directory. It shows attributes such as "i" for immutable (cannot be modified or deleted), "a" for append-only (only new data can be added), "c" for compressed, "e" for extent format, and many more.

The -v option can be used to show the version information of the file system. The -R flag enables recursive listing of attributes for all files and directories in the specified directory, including subdirectories.

To modify attributes, the command line option + or - is used followed by the attribute. For example, lsattr +i filename makes the file immutable, while lsattr -a directoryname removes the append-only attribute from the directory.

Root privileges are usually required to make changes to attributes. Proper usage of lsattr helps manage and protect important system files and directories effectively.