Linux Commands / IT Support Guides
Find growing directories with du
After identifying a full filesystem, locate the directories consuming its space. Keep the scan on the relevant mount to avoid including unrelated attached storage.
Environment and inputs: Linux · Bash-compatible shell; package and service names vary by distribution
Try the diagnostic command
Use the stated shell and platform. Replace sample domains, addresses, services and paths with values from the system you are authorized to support.
du -x -h --max-depth=1 /var/logHow to read the result
The GNU du example totals usage one level below the selected directory. -x stays on one filesystem, while -h prints human-readable sizes.
What to do next
Replace the root with the affected application subtree and drill down into the largest relevant directory. Confirm file ownership and retention rules before proposing a cleanup.
Before you make a change
A scan can create substantial I/O on a busy server. Permission failures or deleted-but-open files can explain differences between du and df.