Where are temporary files held in a Linux system?

Temporary files in a Linux system are typically held in the /tmp directory. This directory is specifically designated for storing temporary files that are created by various programs and processes during their execution. Files in /tmp can be created and deleted frequently, often being cleaned up automatically by the system upon reboot.

The /var/tmp directory is another location where temporary files can be stored, but it is used for temporary files that are intended to persist between reboots. In contrast, /tmp is used for more transient data that does not need to survive a reboot.

The /usr/bin directory is intended for storing executable binaries and does not have a purpose for temporary file storage. /etc/skel is a directory that provides default configuration files for new user accounts and is unrelated to temporary files.

Understanding the role of each of these directories is essential for managing files effectively on a Linux system, especially when dealing with file permissions and cleanup routines.