Where Are NFS Shares Configured on Linux?
NFS shares are declared in /etc/exports, one line per export with hosts and options.
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One file publishes Linux folders to the network. Each exports line names a directory, permitted clients, and options governing roots, sync, and read access.
Syntax errors silently limit visibility rather than failing loudly, so exportfs validation matters. Showmount from clients confirms what the server actually offers. The file pairs with hosts access controls for layered sharing policy.
Where Linux stores this, by platform
/etc/exports
One line per NFS share with clients and options. Apply with exportfs -ra and verify from clients with showmount.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply changes?
Run exportfs -ra after edits to re-export without restarting anything. New clients see shares immediately. Test from the client with showmount before blaming firewalls.
What do the common options mean?
Sync writes through immediately, async buffers for speed at crash risk. Squash maps remote root to nobody for safety. Readonly exports protect archives. Each option trades safety against convenience deliberately.
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