Curious Sunday Morning Linux File System Question ??

[Mikkel L. Ellertson]

William Case wrote:
> Hi All;
> 
> Just did some changes in my ~/.* ( dot files ) and started wondering why
> Linux uses dot files for its 'user' data.  Its a small annoyance to have
> to specify .* each time I use them.  The annoyance is primarily not
> because it's difficult but because it is odd -- different from anything
> else and data files get mixed (kinda) with my working documents.  Why
> not just have a standard additional directory for 'config', or whatever
> name, to hold all the user application type data.  Is the reason
> historical or is there a pragmatic purpose?
> 
This is the way Linux hides files and directories. You will notice
that they do not show up in a normal ls listing, or in the file
selection window of most programs. If you have your file manager set
up not to show hidden files/directories, they will not show up there
ether.

Mikkel
-- 

  Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons,
for thou art crunchy and taste good with Ketchup!