What does "execute" permission mean on a folder?

Question

I have read this topic, which gave me some info but I feel I am not fully getting it. What does the execute permission actually mean on a folder? I fully understand what it means on a file, but on a folder.

score 34 · Accepted Answer · edited Dec 08 '15 at 10:45

34

With the execute bit set you have the permission

to cd into the directory
Also for long listing ls -l i.e. to view the meta data of the files inside the directory (Provided that read permission is there for the directory.

edited Dec 08 '15 at 10:45

Henry Henrinson

185

answered Aug 15 '14 at 19:16

flemingovirus

638

Thanks. I know english is not my native language but even now, for me it is not that obvious that the doc means cd (and ls -l) are allowed, especially cd actually. But anyway, thanks a lot for the clarification then. +x permission on a folder means I can cd it. excellent! – Alexandre Bourlier Aug 15 '14 at 19:25
1

@UlrichDangel very correct, I've edited my answer. – flemingovirus Aug 15 '14 at 19:35

What does "execute" permission mean on a folder?

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