Get the chmod numerical value for a file

Question

In FreeBSD and also in Linux, how can I get the numerical chmod value of a file? For example, 644 instead of -rw-r--r--? I need an automatic way for a Bash script.

Similar: [Convert ls -l output format to chmod format](//unix.stackexchange.com/q/71585) — Stéphane Chazelas, May 15 '21 at 07:51

score 255 · Accepted Answer · edited Mar 13 '23 at 17:32

255

You can get the value directly using a stat output format, e.g.

Linux:

stat --format '%a' <file>

BSD/OS X:

stat -f "%OLp" <file>

Busybox:

 stat -c '%a' <file>

edited Mar 13 '23 at 17:32

Peter

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answered Sep 01 '12 at 20:12

teppic

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single quotes are not needed, and `--format` can be abbreviated `-c`. This works: `stat -c %a ` – johny why Sep 23 '16 at 17:53
I needed the busybox answer on Ubuntu, otherwise 'stat: cannot read file system information for '%OLp': No such file or directory' – tofutim Mar 11 '18 at 13:34
I use `lubuntu`, have `busybox` and `stat -c` gives the result, but `-f` spits out error and prints blocks and inodes info, similar to tofutim. – Timo May 14 '21 at 19:32

PersianGulf · Answer 2 · 2021-05-23T01:19:50.477

13

use stat YOUR_FILE unless write script that calculate :

rwx rwx rwx ==> ( r = 4 ) if set + ( w = 2) if set + (x = 1) if set , for example:
You have :
-rw-wxrw- => (4+2+0)(0+2+1)(4+2+0) = 0636 
First argument before 9 permissions is one of :
- = regular file
d =  directory
b = block device
c = character device
s = socket
p = pipe
f = fifo

By the way , I use stat command on Linux box, not freebsd, because it investigate HFS probably work with UFS.

edited May 23 '21 at 01:19

answered Sep 01 '12 at 18:55

PersianGulf

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Yes, i found it under `FreeBSD box`, use `stat -x YOUR_FILE` under `FreeBSD box` – PersianGulf Sep 01 '12 at 19:02
`stat -r YOUR_FILE |awk '{print $3}' ` gives your permission. – PersianGulf Sep 01 '12 at 19:09
command to show friendly? not only a number like `666` or codes `-rw-wxrw-` but a text with explanations about each permission. – Peter Krauss Dec 03 '18 at 19:18
@PeterKrauss , It's better to write an `awk` to retrive numerical result. – PersianGulf Dec 06 '18 at 16:07
Thanks @PersianGulf. Hum... No plug-and-play standard way.... – Peter Krauss Dec 06 '18 at 23:04
You forgot the `l` and please, your homepage in english;) we are global people.. – Timo May 14 '21 at 19:23

score 11 · Answer 3 · answered May 27 '17 at 22:30

11

Some additional information on stat:

$ stat -c %a file.txt

777  

$ stat -c %A file.txt

-rwxrwxrwx

answered May 27 '17 at 22:30

Mateen Ulhaq

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it is `stat -f %A file.txt` under mac, it would return 644 or some other 3 digital number. – Weijing Jay Lin Jun 15 '17 at 07:11

score 5 · Answer 4 · edited Mar 14 '23 at 05:47

5

With GNU stat, try this to get the value for all non-hidden files in the current working directory.

stat --format "%a  %n" -- *

edited Mar 14 '23 at 05:47

Stéphane Chazelas

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answered Aug 05 '18 at 16:41

Hatem Badawi

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Get the chmod numerical value for a file

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