NAME

group − group file

DESCRIPTION

The group file contains for each group the following information:

group name

encrypted password

numerical group ID

a comma separated list of all users allowed in the group

This is an ASCII file.  The fields are separated by colons; Each group is separated from the next by a new-line.  If the password field is null, no password is demanded. 

This file resides in directory /etc.  Because of the encrypted passwords, it can and does have general read permission and can be used, for example, to map numerical group ID’s to names. 

RESTRICTIONS

The passwd(1) command won’t change the passwords. 

FILES

/etc/group

SEE ALSO

passwd(1), setgroups(2), crypt(3), initgroups(3x), passwd(5yp)