GoboLinux: the distribution that redefines the file system hierarchy

Gobolinux It is a GNU / Linux distribution that started in 2002. However, it is an interesting project because it distances itself from other distros in the organization of the file system hierarchy. It is totally different from those that follow the standard tree, and even different from other Unix-like systems as well.

What makes this distro unique is that GoboLinux has a modular system, with a more logical and totally new organization. Each program has its own directory tree. All separated and making it possible to see everything that is installed in the operating system in a very simple way. That is, the programs are not scattered like in other distros, with parts in / etc, parts in / usr, etc.

En the root from GoboLinux, the following would be appreciated:

cd /

ls

Programs
Users
System
Data
Mount

Inside the directory Programs is where all installed programs reside in GoboLinux, and if you look inside you would have something like this:

cd Programs

ls

ALSA
Bash
HTOP
OpenSSH
Sudo
...

And if you go into any of the directories of these programs, for example in Bash, you will see that it has the complete hierarchy within:

cd Bash

ls

Bash
Bash/4.4
Bash/4.4/bin
Bash/4.4/bin/sh
Bash/4.4/bin/bash
Bash/4.4/bin/bashbug
Bash/4.4/info
Bash/4.4/info/bash.info
Bash/4.4/man
Bash/4.4/man/man1
Bash/4.4/man/man1/bash.1
...

This would even allow several versions of the same software and alternate one or the other as desired in a simple way.

In GoboLinux no database required for the file system, but the system itself is a database. Thus, everything is organized in an intuitive order, and the location of the files is facilitated. And everything works, it works because there are a number of directories with symbolic links pointing to the actual files.

In addition, if you are concerned about compatibility, the truth is that it is not a problem. Packages should not be redesigned to work in this hierarchy. Through the mapping of traditional routes and links, it is possible to make everything work in a transparent way.

Si Do you want to try it, you have the ISO image available to download for free and burn to a DVD or USB stick to try in Live mode if you feel like it, without the need to format. It has a friendly graphical interface and a simple installer. The latest version released is 017.

More information about GoboLinux - Official website of the project