Could anyone tell me where or how I can find a file called "~/.bash_profile".
I cant find it using any editor. I need to add a "line" to this file apparently . I do know how to add & edit to files like "/etc/rc.conf" so on. But this one doesn't start with /etc or /usr &so on.
I even tried Nano .
AnyWay if a file doesnt start with the usual /etc or /usr /var etc then how can I find it or do I have to create it?
I think I have dealt with this situation before but it was along time ago & I seem to have totally forgotten the procedure.

The ~ represents your home directory, usually /home/username. So the full path of your .bash_profile file is /home/username/.bash_profile. If the file isn't there, you can create it.

Great thanks Nylex, looks like I will have to create it.
I appreciate quick reply .
thanks

The find command is for looking for files.

$ find ./ -name ""ba*" -print

The above searches the current directory as well as all of its sub-directories for files that begin with ba and prints them out.

One quote too many, and it wouldn't find the file
because your search-term doesn't begin with a "."


Cheers,
Tink

Thanks Tinkster

It was a mistake.

What would happen if I remove '' ./ '' part?

Also please note that your shell will recognize the ~ character. So if you run
you will be taken to your home directory, and likewise
will open the file in gedit.

The period before bash_profile indicates that the file is hidden. So you may (and in fact probably) have the file already. To see, you can simply run the command above to open it. This will appear blank if it doesn't already exist. And to see all the files in your home directory, including hidden ones, run

Depends on your version of find. The current GNU find
will do exactly the same thing, older ones or ones from
other vendors may spit the dummy, telling you that the
directory needs to come first.


Cheers,
Tink

there is a locate command in Mandriva LE 2005. Don't know if it works on other distros.