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https://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man1/passwd.1.html

What "wd" is supposed to mean in the name of the utility tool passwd?

pass is for password - what about wd ?

Tarida George
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  • He thought `wd` is an abbreviation for something else. In the same vein as many people see `srv` as an abbreviation for *server*, but `/srv` as a Linux folder actually refers to *service* or *to serve*. The questions is not fit for serverfault, but you don't have to be rude about his question. – Daniel Jul 12 '21 at 19:31
  • @TomTom [unix.se] accepts history questions like this. – Michael Hampton Jul 12 '21 at 22:06
  • Didn't know about https://unix.stackexchange.com/. Thank you, Michael! – Tarida George Jul 13 '21 at 08:23

2 Answers2

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pass is for password - what about wd ?

passwd is short for password. Fewer letters, less typing, more efficiency.

From wikipedia:

The file's name originates from one of its initial functions as it contained the data used to verify passwords of user accounts. However, on modern Unix systems the security-sensitive password information is instead often stored in a different file using shadow passwords, or other database implementations.

Reference:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passwd#Password_file

slightly_toasted
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This can be even easier answered

Passwd is short of 2 words (logically meant), the first is pass which is clear and the second is the standard short for word also know as wd therefore it is also a known shortcut for pwd or Passwd in the IT-Based slang or full word password ;)

However, logically it is meant to pass with a word somewhat/somewhere ;) aka code word

Hope it's even clearly even also the other answered the question already

djdomi
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