Archive
A file that groups other files; compression is a separate operation.
Linux Fundamentals for RTL and Design Verification — Technical Glossary
Use this page when a term, acronym or engineering concept is unfamiliar. Understand the term, then return to the lesson where it is used.
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Environment variable
A named value inherited by child processes when exported.
Exit status
A numeric result returned by a process; zero normally indicates success.
Inode
Filesystem metadata object referenced by one or more names.
Kernel
The privileged core that manages processes, memory, devices and filesystems.
Mount point
A directory at which a filesystem is attached to the directory tree.
PATH
An ordered list of directories used by a shell to find executables.
Process
A running program with a PID, state and resource use.
Reproducibility
The ability to rerun a documented command with known inputs, tool versions and expected evidence.
SHA-256
A cryptographic hash used to compare artifact integrity against a trusted checksum.
SSH host key
A server identity key whose fingerprint should be verified through a trusted channel.
Shell
A program that interprets command input and starts other programs.
Standard error
File descriptor 2, conventionally used for diagnostics.
Symbolic link
A filesystem entry that stores a path to another entry.
Umask
A mask that removes permissions from new files and directories.
User space
Programs outside the kernel that request operating-system services.
systemd unit
A systemd configuration object such as a service or timer.