/etc/passwd

The /etc/passwd file is a central record on a Unix or Linux system that stores basic information about each user account. It includes details such as username, user ID, group ID, home directory, and default shell. This file helps the system identify users, manage permissions, and determine where their personal files are stored. Although it originally contained encrypted passwords, these are now stored separately for security reasons. Overall, /etc/passwd is essential for user management and authentication on the system.