In UNIX-like OS, which is the correct meaning of the command chmod u+x foo?
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In UNIX-like OS, which is the correct meaning of the command chmod u+x foo?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A. Give execute permission to owner of the file named foo.
chmod u+x foo modifies file permissions using symbolic notation: 'u' represents the user (owner), '+' means add, and 'x' is execute permission. This command adds execute permission only to the owner without affecting group or other permissions. Option D is incorrect because u+x does not remove permissions from others—it only adds execute to the owner.
Step-by-step Derivation:
Breaking down chmod u+x foo:
u= user (owner/file owner)+= add permissionx= execute permissionfoo= target file
The command adds (+) execute permission (x) to the user/owner (u) only. It does not:
- Affect group permissions (rules out B)
- Affect all users (rules out C)
- Remove permissions from others (rules out D)
Therefore, the answer is A.