What happens without directory 'x' permission?

If you remove the x (execute) permission from a directory, it effectively becomes a "look but don't touch" zone. Even if you own the directory, you will be blocked from most operations.

Here is exactly what happens:

1. You cannot "enter" it

The cd command will fail.

cd testdir
# Output: bash: cd: testdir: Permission denied

2. You cannot access files inside (even if you know their names)

Even if there is a file called notes.txt inside and you have permission to read that file, you cannot reach it because you can't "pass through" the directory.

cat testdir/notes.txt
# Output: cat: testdir/notes.txt: Permission denied

3. ls becomes very limited

If you still have r (read) permission but no x, you can see the filenames, but the system cannot retrieve any details about them (like size, type, or permissions).

ls -l testdir
# You might see just filenames with a bunch of question marks (?????)

Want to try it? (Interactive Example)

You can actually test this safely in your current environment!

1. Remove the x permission from testdir:

   chmod -x testdir

2. Try to enter it:

   cd testdir

   (You will get: Permission denied)

3. Give the permission back when you're done:

   chmod +x testdir

Summary: Without x, the directory acts like a locked room. You might be able to peek through the keyhole (if you have r), but you can't step inside or touch anything!