Report file access permission as octal value

This document (7005897) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 Service Pack 1
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11

Situation

Often manuals and instructions provide the octal value for setting a file permission. But how do you determine the existing octal value of the file? The ls command only displays the permissions as rwx.

Resolution

Use the stat command as follows:

stat -c %a filename

Example:
hostname # stat -c %a /etc/ntp.conf
640

Disclaimer

This Support Knowledgebase provides a valuable tool for SUSE customers and parties interested in our products and solutions to acquire information, ideas and learn from one another. Materials are provided for informational, personal or non-commercial use within your organization and are presented "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.