Data loss is a common issue for Linux users and can occur due to accidental deletions, filesystem corruption, partition problems, or hardware failures.
Linux filesystems like ext4 do not immediately erase data when a file is deleted, making data potentially recoverable until it's overwritten.
Steps to recover lost files on Linux include minimizing system activity on the affected drive, disconnecting and mounting the drive read-only, creating a disk image using tools like dd or ddrescue, and booting from a Live Linux distribution.
Understanding data loss causes and employing proper recovery techniques can make a significant difference in salvaging lost or corrupted files for Linux users.