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Systems & Data Center · Foundational

/var Directory

The Linux directory for variable data that changes during operation, including logs, spool files, caches and databases.

Definition

/var holds data that grows or changes at runtime: /var/log for logs, /var/spool for print and mail queues, /var/cache for cached package data and /var/lib for application state. Placing /var on its own partition prevents runaway logs from filling the root filesystem.

Example

If a server's root filesystem is full, du -sh /var/log/* often reveals an oversized log file.

Exam tip

Know that /var/log is the traditional log location and that a separate /var partition protects / from filling up.

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