What is a sticky Bit and how to set it in Linux?

What is Sticky Bit?

Sticky Bit is mainly used on folders in order to avoid deletion of a folder and its content by other users though they having write permissions on the folder contents. If Sticky bit is enabled on a folder, the folder contents are deleted by only owner who created them and the root user. No one else can delete other users data in this folder(Where sticky bit is set). This is a security measure to avoid deletion of critical folders and their content(sub-folders and files), though other users have full permissions.

How can I setup Sticky Bit for a Folder?

Sticky Bit can be set in two ways

1. Symbolic way (t,represents sticky bit)
2. Numerical/octal way (1, Sticky Bit bit as value 1)

Checking if a folder is set with Sticky Bit or not?

Use ls -ld to check if the x in others permissions field is replaced by t or T

Use chmod command to set Sticky Bit on Folder: /example

Symbolic way:

chmod o+t  /example

or
chmod +t /example

Let me explain above command, We are setting Sticky Bit(+t) to folder /example by using chmod command.

Numerical way:

chmod 1757 /example

ll -ld /example/

drwxr-xrwt. 2 root root 6 Nov 27 12:07 /example/

Here in 1757, 1 indicates Sticky Bit set, 7 for full permissions for owner, 5 for read and execute permissions for group, and full permissions for others.

how to delete sticky Bit on Folder:/example

Symbolic way:

chmod o-t /example

or

chmod -t /example

Numerical way:

chmod 0757 /example

ll -ld /example/

drwxr-xrwx. 2 root root 6 Nov 27 12:07 /example/