modetc: A Linux Kernel Module for Relocating Dotfiles While Maintaining Compatibility
By
todsacerdoti
Crisp on the outside, thoughtful on the inside. A keeper.
Summary
modetc is a Linux kernel module that allows users to move dotfiles and other files to different locations while maintaining compatibility with programs that expect them in their original paths. It works by rewriting file operation paths at the kernel level, primarily targeting programs that don't follow the XDG basedir standard and clutter home directories. The article presents this as a 'nuclear option' for managing dotfiles, with configuration done through module parameters.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledmodetc is a Linux kernel module that rewrites paths in file operations: it allows you to move files wherever you like, while still having programs finding them where they expected them to be.
The main application is to move the dotfiles of those stubborn programs that refuse to adopt the XDG basedir standard, away from the home directory.
For example, you can rewrite the path ~/.ssh to ~/var/lib/ssh.
Yes, this is the nuclear option.
modetc is configured via module parameters that are set either when manually loading the module.
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