Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

So what if they do?

This file is a public interface exposed by Linux to other programs. So what if Linux caches its contents when eg. Python interpreter on launch will read this file. And it's not coming from some "fake" filesystem like procfs or sysfs. It's an actual physical file most of the time.



the python interpreter reads /etc/passwd on launch? i guess it's looking for home directory




Consider applying for YC's Summer 2026 batch! Applications are open till May 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: