why and how isn't mkdir working

Question

how does mkdir work? I've been trying to install java, and when I type:

mkdir -p /usr/local/java

nothing happens except the terminal just writes it down. when I get to later steps, it says that directory /usr/local/java doesn't exist

Are you using sudo if you're non-root user? /usr/local is owned by root, therefore mkdir won't work without the proper privileges. — Matt O., Dec 8 '17 at 19:48
Are these exact steps youre doing ? No error ? mkdir should produce "Permission denied" error because /usr beling to root, yet you said "nothing happens". Can you clarify, please — Sergiy Kolodyazhnyy, Dec 8 '17 at 23:47

ravery · Accepted Answer · 2017-12-08 23:36:00Z

4

All system folders are owned by root; thus,you need root permissions:

sudo mkdir -p /usr/local/java

answered Dec 8 '17 at 19:49

ravery

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3

Paying attention to this users score, it's advisable to explain why he needs root permissions to prevent repeat questions in the future. – Matt O. Dec 8 '17 at 20:04
1

sudo is indeed necessary, however note that OP said nothing happens if they do the command as regular user. However, mkdir should produce "Permission denied" error. There's discrepancy – Sergiy Kolodyazhnyy Dec 8 '17 at 23:46

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