Extended File Attributes

The UFS, NFS, and TMPFS file systems have been enhanced to include extended file attributes. Application developers can associate specific attributes to a file. For example, a developer of a file management application for a windowing system might choose to associate a display icon with a file.

Extended attributes are logically represented as files within a hidden directory that is associated with the target file.

You can use the extended file attribute API and a set of shell commands to add and manipulate file system attributes. See the fsattr(5), openat(2), and runat(1) man pages for more information.

Many file system commands in Solaris provide an attribute-aware option that you can use to query, copy, modify, or find file attributes. For more information, see the specific file system command in the man pages.

See also the System Administration Guide: Basic Administration for more information.