Return the largest file size in a directory

Q: Return the largest file size in a directory

This question evaluates shell scripting and filesystem manipulation skills, specifically recursive file traversal and file metadata handling using Unix command-line tools, and belongs to the Coding & Algorithms domain (Bash/File System).

Q: How do I approach Coding & Algorithms interview questions?

Coding & Algorithms questions require understanding of core concepts and practice. PracHub provides solutions with explanations to help you master coding & algorithms interviews.

Question

Problem (Bash / File System)

Implement a Bash function (or shell snippet) that returns the maximum file size (in bytes) under a given directory.

Requirements

Input: a directory path DIR
Consider regular files only (ignore directories; you may ignore symlinks unless you explicitly choose to follow them)
Search recursively under DIR
Output: a single integer = the size (bytes) of the largest file found
If there are no regular files, output 0

Example

If DIR contains files of sizes 10, 25, and 7 bytes (possibly in subdirectories), output 25.

Return the largest file size in a directory

Overview

Problem (Bash / File System)

Requirements

Example

Comments (0)