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Unix file types
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<p>The seven standard Unix file types are <i>regular</i>, <i>directory</i>, <i>symbolic link</i>, <i>FIFO special</i>, <i>block special</i>, <i>character special</i>, and <i>socket</i> as defined by <a href="/facts/POSIX/mQkSt234">POSIX</a>. Different OS-specific implementations allow more types than what POSIX requires (e.g. Solaris <a href="/facts/Doors_(computing)/QxFQSFGP">doors</a>). A file's type can be identified by the <a href="/facts/Ls/5GsH3v2a">ls -l</a> command, which displays the type in the first character of the <a href="/facts/File-system_permissions/DHq5SwI4">file-system permissions</a> field. </p><p>For <a href="/facts/Computer_file/FjFH3Ufm">regular files</a>, <a href="/facts/Unix/0pNL2seI">Unix</a> does not impose or provide any internal file structure; therefore, their structure and interpretation is entirely dependent on the software using them. However, the <a href="/facts/File_(command)/P5Nvve4C">file</a> command can usually be used to determine what <a href="/facts/File_format/qrXbwJaH">type of data</a> they contain. </p>