Which directories on a 64 bit Linux system typically contain shared libraries?

On a 64-bit Linux system, shared libraries are typically found in the /usr/lib64/ and /lib64/ directories. However, /usr/lib64/ is the main location for 64-bit libraries, while /lib64/ serves as another important directory specifically meant for essential shared libraries.

The /usr/lib64/ directory is part of the user space and contains libraries utilized by various applications and system programs that have been compiled for 64-bit architecture. It is commonly used for storing libraries that support runtime linking, which are essential for running 64-bit applications.

The other options, while they mention 'lib64', do not represent standard or commonly used directories for shared libraries on 64-bit systems. The /var/lib64/ directory, for instance, typically does not exist as a standard directory in a Linux file system hierarchy and is not used for shared library storage. Similarly, /opt/lib64/ suggests a non-standard location as well, corresponding to optional application software, but it’s not a conventional directory for system-wide shared libraries. Thus, /usr/lib64/ is the most relevant and recognized path for shared libraries on a 64-bit Linux system.