What is a TMPFS and how can we use it?

  Linux admin

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Tmpfs stands for Temporary File System.
To create files inside a tmpfs-mounted folder means that they will disappear when you shutdown your PC or unmount the folder.
How to create a tmpfs folder?

First, create a folder to use as a mount point.

mkdir [foldername]

Creation of a mount point

Then, transform it into a tmpfs folder.

sudo mount -t tmpfs -o size=[desiredSize] tmpfs [folderPath]

Mounting the folder as a tmpfs one

Now, we can check if everything is fine with df command.

df -lh

Checking the status of our brand new folder

We have created a folder mounted into RAM. Its size is 512MB, but it can be easily modified.

You can wish to mount a folder to RAM during boot.
To do so, we edit the /etc/fstab file. We need root access.

sudo nano /etc/fstab

Opening the /etc/fstab file

In the /etc/fstab file, just add the keyword tmpfs into the left column, write the mount point, tmpfs again, some options like defaults, noatime, size=512M. Zero and Zero for dump and pass will be fine.

The /etc/fstab file

If you are using nano, save the file using CTRL+O, then close the editor pressing CTRL+X.

Now you can reboot and enjoy your new tmpfs folders!