What is tmp?

tmp is a directory found on Unix-like operating systems (like Linux and macOS) used for storing temporary files.

  • Purpose: The primary purpose of tmp is to provide a location where programs can create files that are only needed for a short period of time. These files are expected to be deleted when they are no longer needed, either by the program that created them or by a system cleanup process. See: Purpose

  • Location: Usually located at /tmp. See: Location

  • Permissions: The directory typically has world-writable permissions (e.g., drwxrwxrwt). The "t" sticky bit prevents users from deleting files created by other users. See: Permissions

  • Cleanup: Systems often have a scheduled task (e.g., a cron job or systemd timer) that periodically cleans up the tmp directory by removing old files. The criteria for deletion (e.g., files older than a certain number of days) are configurable. See: Cleanup

  • Security: Due to the world-writable nature of /tmp, it is important to be aware of potential security implications. A malicious user could potentially exploit vulnerabilities by creating or manipulating files in /tmp. Secure coding practices (e.g., using unique file names, setting appropriate file permissions) are essential. See: Security

  • Alternatives: Some programs use alternative locations for temporary files (e.g., a user's home directory or a program-specific directory under /var/tmp). Using the tmp directory is recommended for portability and consistency. See: Alternatives