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# Linux lsattr Command [ Linux Command Manual](#) The Linux `lsattr` command is used to display the extended attributes of files. Use (#) to change the attributes of a file or directory, and then use the `lsattr` command to query its attributes. ### Syntax lsattr [file or directory...] **Common Options**: * -R: Recursively display the attributes of all files in a directory and its subdirectories * -a: Display all files, including hidden files (files starting with .) * -d: Display the attributes of the directory itself, not its contents * -v: Display file version information * -l: Display attribute names in long format After running `lsattr`, the output format is typically as follows: ----i--------- /etc/passwd * **Each column represents an attribute** (similar to the permission bits in `ls -l`). * **`-` indicates the attribute is not set**, **letters indicate it is set** (e.g., `i`, `a`). * **Common Attributes** (corresponding to `chattr`): * `s`: secure deletion * `u`: undeletable * `c`: compressed * `S`: synchronous updates * `i`: immutable * `a`: append only * `d`: no dump * `A`: no atime updates * `I`: indexed directory * `j`: data journalling * `t`: no tail-merging * `T`: top of directory hierarchy * `e`: extent format ### Examples **1. View the attributes of a single file** lsattr /etc/passwd Output example: ----i--------- /etc/passwd The `i` indicates that the file is immutable (cannot be modified or deleted). **2. View a directory and its contents** lsattr -R /var/log/ # Recursively view all files under /var/log/ **3. View only the attributes of the directory itself (not its sub-files)** lsattr -d /tmp/ **4. Display the attributes of hidden files** lsattr -a ~/.bashrc **5. Use in conjunction with chattr** sudo chattr +i important_file.txt # Set to immutable lsattr important_file.txt # Check if it took effect Output: ----i--------- important_file.txt [ Linux Command Manual](#)