Hidden files and directories (aka dotfiles)

A file or directory whose name begins with a period (as in ".login") is known as hidden because commands such as ls normally do not list it. Entering the command ls -a will list hidden files and directories.

Files that are 'hidden' are called dotfiles because they have a period (a dot) at the beginning. Although directories with a preceding dot (as in the ".elm" directory) can be 'hidden,' you'll rarely hear anyone talking about dot-directories. This is because you don't usually alter a directory to change the way a program functions; you change the files inside the directory.

Dotfiles typically establish personal settings for programs and your Unix environment. For example, the gopher program uses the ".gopherrc" resource file to store things like your bookmarks.

Remember, you can create problems for yourself if you delete a hidden file required by the system or a program. Please read all sections of Customizing your account before you modify any of your hidden files.

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Last modified October 19, 2005 by cawalker