The x bit is not like a key read. The x bit allows you to access a file in the directory, or another directory under the directory. The term "search" is used in an unusual way, in that it does not mean to search for files in the directory.
I know this is confusing, and in practice I have never found a use for setting r without x, or vise versa. So I always set both or neither. -----Original Message----- From: Linux on 390 Port [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of McKown, John Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2008 8:15 AM To: LINUX-390@VM.MARIST.EDU Subject: Ignorance question about access list on a directory I am constantly getting confused about the "r" and "x" access bits on a directory. Unless I am off again, the "r" bit allows me to sequentially read the contents of a directory (like reading a sequential text file, sort of). The "x bit allows me to "search" a directory for a specific file name (like doing a keyed read on an ISAM type file). In any case, is there any real reason why I would have an "r" and not an "x" or vice versa? Does an "r" allow me to list the files in a directory, but not open any of them? I.e. do I need "x" authority in a directory to read a file contained in that directory? As you can see, I am confused. -- John McKown Senior Systems Programmer HealthMarkets Keeping the Promise of Affordable Coverage Administrative Services Group Information Technology The information contained in this e-mail message may be privileged and/or confidential. It is for intended addressee(s) only. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, reproduction, distribution or other use of this communication is strictly prohibited and could, in certain circumstances, be a criminal offense. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by reply and delete this message without copying or disclosing it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For LINUX-390 subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: INFO LINUX-390 or visit http://www.marist.edu/htbin/wlvindex?LINUX-390 __________________________________________________________________________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email from the State of California is for the sole use of the intended recipient and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review or use, including disclosure or distribution, is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and destroy all copies of this email. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For LINUX-390 subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: INFO LINUX-390 or visit http://www.marist.edu/htbin/wlvindex?LINUX-390
