What is the purpose of the /home directory in a Linux system?

The /home directory in a Linux system serves a specific purpose: it holds the home directories of individual users. Each user on the system is typically assigned their own space within the /home directory, which contains personal files, user-specific configurations, and preferences. This structure provides a secure and organized way for users to have their own working environments without interfering with each other's files.

When a user logs in, they are usually taken directly to their home directory within /home, where they can create, modify, and manage their personal files. This directory structure is integral to user management and data security in a Linux environment. It ensures that each user's data is kept separate, maintaining privacy and organization on multi-user systems.

In contrast, the other options relate to different directories in a Linux file system. Configuration files are typically stored in /etc, system binaries are found in /bin or /usr/bin, and temporary files are managed under /tmp. Each of these has its own distinct purpose, differentiating them from the role of /home in supporting user-specific storage.