You run touch newfile.txt but get an error: touch: cannot touch 'newfile.txt': Permission denied. What is the likely cause?

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Linux CLI - File and Directory Operations

You run touch newfile.txt but get an error: touch: cannot touch 'newfile.txt': Permission denied. What is the likely cause?

AYou do not have write permission in the directory

BThe file newfile.txt already exists

CThe touch command is misspelled

DThe disk is full

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Analyze the error message
The error says "Permission denied" which means the user lacks rights to create or modify files in the directory.
Step 2: Check other options
If the file exists, touch updates timestamp without error. Misspelling touch causes command not found, not permission denied. Disk full causes different errors.
Final Answer:
You do not have write permission in the directory -> Option A
Quick Check:
Permission denied = no write access [OK]

Quick Trick: Permission denied means no write rights in folder [OK]

Common Mistakes:

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