What is the function of the /sys file system in Linux?

The /sys file system in Linux plays a crucial role in managing and representing device information in the kernel space. It is a virtual file system that provides a means for the kernel to export information about various kernel subsystems, devices, and other kernel-related parameters.

More specifically, /sys allows for interaction with devices, facilitating both querying their status and changing their configuration. This file system reflects various attributes of devices and includes directories that correspond to device types and instances. For instance, under /sys/class or /sys/devices, users can observe properties of hardware components, manage device drivers, and even modify settings on some devices if permitted.

This unique structure allows for real-time adjustments and monitoring of devices that are connected to the system without needing to reboot or use specialized utilities. Consequently, /sys serves as an interface between user-space applications and the kernel, enabling user-space code to dynamically interact with hardware components.