Extension for executable file

jojojo · 05-29-2006, 12:56 PM

What is the extension for an executable file in Linux? Its because I want to find an executable program, but don't know which folder to look for. Is it the same as in Windows .exe?
In which directory are all of the executable file reside?

rshaw · 05-29-2006, 01:07 PM

any file can be executable or not depending on its permissions. the is no one extention the means it is executable.

there is no one set directory where they all live

jojojo · 05-29-2006, 01:10 PM

So how can I know a certain program is executable or not?

Daws · 05-29-2006, 01:21 PM

Konqueror seems to be quite good at this. Certainly beats trial and (comp destroying) error.

rshaw · 05-29-2006, 01:28 PM

ls -l , then have a look at the permissions assigned to it.

chmod +x filename to make it executable , chmod -x to remove

Stabby McTwist · 05-29-2006, 01:35 PM

Do you mean binaries?

jojojo · 05-29-2006, 01:50 PM

Uuummmm.... what I mean is an executable programs like mplayer, totem... How can I know where does the executable program for eg. mplayer or totem reside? In which folder?

Prostetnic_Jeltz · 05-29-2006, 02:10 PM

try "which <filename>" in a terminal - as in "which mplayer"

Nylex · 05-29-2006, 02:21 PM

Running "echo $PATH" will show you a list of directories in which there are executable files as well. The executables for MPlayer and Totem are likely to be in /usr/bin.

wini_g · 05-29-2006, 02:24 PM

or "whereis" command

EDIT : they can tend to be in "bin" folders .. well I guess for binary .. or where does "bin" come from ?

pixellany · 05-29-2006, 02:34 PM

executable files can be in any folder.

If you know a file name, you can find it with your GUI search function (eg "find files"), or with locate, find, etc.

When using locate, you also need to run updatedb to update the database.

for more details, look at "man find" and "man locate"