chmod 755 in Linux: What It Means and When to Use It
Understand what chmod 755 means and when it is appropriate.
The mode 755 is built from 4=read, 2=write and 1=execute for owner, group and others.
Step by step
1 Set the mode
$ chmod 755 script.shSets the file to rwxr-xr-x.
2 Verify it
$ ls -l script.shLook for `-rwxr-xr-x`.
3 Use it on a directory
$ chmod 755 myapp/Directory execute permission allows traversal.
4 Make a smaller change
$ chmod u+x script.shAdds execute for the owner without replacing all other bits.
Tips worth knowing
- Avoid chmod 777 as a generic fix.
- A private executable may suit 700 better.
- Remember 4=read, 2=write, 1=execute.
Frequently asked questions
What does chmod 755 mean?
Owner has read/write/execute; group and others have read/execute.
What is the difference between chmod +x and chmod 755?
+x adds execute permission while 755 sets the complete mode.
If it goes wrong
The commands behind it
Change file permissions with numeric (755, 644) and symbolic (u+x) modes: clearly explained.
chownAssign files to users and groups: the other half of Linux permissions.
lsList the contents of a directory, with options for hidden files, long format, sorting and more.
Concepts involved: File permissions
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