8.12 The Variable Files Directory (var)

   

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8.12 The Variable Files Directory (/var)

This directory contains basically three types of files: log files, spool files, and temporary files created by applications. The name of the directory comes from the fact that all of these file types are variable in nature. It means these files grow and shrink on a continual basis. A sample directory subtree is shown in Figure 8-7.

Figure 8-7. Structure of the /var directory.

Log Files

Log files are arranged in many directories depending on the type of log. Some of these are explained here.

/var/adm	This directory is used for log files related to system administration programs. The software installation or removal files are in the /var/adm/sw directory. Log files for cron are placed in the /var/adm/cron directory. Log files generated by syslog are in the /var/adm/syslog directory. Crash dumps are kept in the /var/adm/crash directory.
/var/opt	Application run-time files and log files are placed in this directory.

Spool Files (/var/spool)

Spool files related to print services are kept in the /var/spool/lp directory. Spool files for electronic mail go into /var/mail . Other spool files are kept in a directory under /var/spool .

Temporary var files (/var/tmp)

Temporary files generated by some applications go into the /var/tmp directory. The mail system also keeps its temporary files in the /var/mail directory.

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