What is Jail in Linux and Unix-like Operating Systems?

Jaildom is a term used in the context of Linux and Unix-like operating systems to refer to the set of all files that are located in the /jail directory. A jail is a sandboxed environment that allows you to run applications in isolation from the rest of the system, with limited access to resources and without the ability to escape or cause harm to the host system.

In other words, a jail is like a virtual container that provides a isolated environment for running applications, similar to a virtual machine but without the overhead of a full virtualization layer. Each jail has its own file system, network stack, and process space, which makes it easy to manage and isolate applications from each other and from the rest of the system.

The /jail directory is where all the files for a particular jail are stored, including the kernel modules, configuration files, and any user data that needs to be shared between the host and the jail. When you create a new jail, the contents of the /jail directory are copied into the new jail, allowing the new jail to function as a standalone environment with its own set of files and configurations.