Welcome to the Treehouse Community

Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.

Looking to learn something new?

Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.

Start your free trial

Python Using Databases in Python Our Diary App Doing Data Entry

Ashley Keeling
Ashley Keeling
11,476 Points
Posted by Ashley Keeling
Ashley Keeling
11,476 Points

I dont get chmod?

I am using a windows computer so do I need it? what does chmod actually do ?

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,275 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,275 Points

On systems like Linux, the "chmod" command allows you set access permissions on files. One of the permissions tells the system that the file should be used as a command script if its name is given on the command line. The system then uses the "sh'bang" line to identify the correct application to run.

In windows you can use the explorer to define what application should be used when you open a file of a particular type (extension). You won't need a "sh'bang" line.

Chris Freeman
Chris Freeman
Treehouse Moderator 68,457 Points
Chris Freeman
Chris Freeman
Treehouse Moderator 68,457 Points

"chmod" is short for "CHange MODe" of a file. In addition to the e"x"ecution mode of a file, there are also "r"ead, "w"rite at the user, group, and global level. More details can be found at chmod - Wikipedia.