Chmod 733 Explained
Chmod 733: owner full access, group and others write+execute. A drop-box directory where the owner controls what others can blindly add.
Permission
733
rwx-wx-wx
chmod 733 filename
Permission Breakdown
| Role | Read (4) | Write (2) | Execute (1) | Octal | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | r | w | x | 7 | read, write, execute |
| Group | - | w | x | 3 | write, execute |
| Others | - | w | x | 3 | write, execute |
Visual Permission Grid
Detailed Explanation
The permission 733 gives the owner full access while allowing group and others to write and execute but not read.
Octal breakdown:
- 7 (Owner): read (4) + write (2) + execute (1) = full access
- 3 (Group): write (2) + execute (1) = write and execute
- 3 (Others): write (2) + execute (1) = write and execute
In symbolic notation this is rwx-wx-wx. The owner has full control. Group and others can create files in the directory and traverse into it, but cannot list its contents.
This creates a managed drop-box directory: the owner can see all submitted files and manage them, while other users can deposit files but cannot see what others have submitted. The execute bit allows users to traverse into the directory, while the write bit allows file creation.
Use Case
Used as a managed file submission directory where an administrator (owner) reviews all submissions while contributors can only add files without seeing other submissions.