/var is a standard subdirectory of the root directory in Linux and other Unix-like operating systems that contains files to which the system writes data during the course of its operation.

What is the purpose of var Linux?

Purpose. /var contains variable data files. This includes spool directories and files, administrative and logging data, and transient and temporary files. Some portions of /var are not shareable between different systems.

What should go in var?

/var This directory contains files which may change in size, such as spool and log files. /var/account Process accounting logs (optional). /var/adm This directory is superseded by /var/log and should be a symbolic link to /var/log. /var/backups Reserved for historical reasons. /var/cache Data cached for programs. /var/ …