Why does base-files define an user 'ftp' with non-existent home dir

For Developers
1

I noticed this line in /etc/passwd (also mirrored in related files shadow and groups):

ftp:*:55:55:ftp:/home/ftp:/bin/false

I am wondering why the ftp user is part of base-files and also why the home dir is mapped to a non-existent directory on the filesystem. If a FTP server is installed, shouldn't that package create the user and homedir?

2

Does this cause any problems? It is removed from recent LSB itetations.

3

No problems, just curious.

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4

It was a choice made long time ago. :grinning:

3 Likes