Linux Newbie: doubt regarding program files

amit_chandak · 03-02-2006, 04:49 PM

hi all,
i am a newbie to linux,i have a small doubt,in windows whenever we install a software or pcakage it gets installed in a particular folder(Program files) so that whenever we use the software it executes the binary code of that software from that folder but in linux we can install any package any where,and we can also run the installed package from the terminal(we need not be in the installed folder while executing),so how does this happens,is the PATH set to check all the folders? Please explain.

Thanks in advance.

gilead · 03-02-2006, 05:36 PM

Your path has the locations where most programs should be installed. It won't contain everything though, and it won't contain programs that require a lot of supporting files. However, you can use the full path to a program to run it (for example, /u01/app/oracle/product/10.2.0/db_1/bin/sqlplus). You can see your path with echo $PATH.

Was that what you were looking for?

corbintechboy · 03-02-2006, 06:33 PM

Just for future reference, what does this have to do with a LUG? There are many places to post in LQ, and I know sometimes it might confuse a new person. But when we strive to put our posts as close to where we think they belong, we would more then likely be putting it somewhere where it might find eyes that can help. So I welcome you to LQ, but I ask that you please look at a good place for your posts so they get good attention.

gilead · 03-02-2006, 08:24 PM

Oops - sorry about that. I didn't read the forum name before replying myself...

XavierP · 03-04-2006, 12:24 PM

Moved: This thread is more suitable in Linux-Newbie and has been moved accordingly to help your thread/question get the exposure it deserves.

pixellany · 03-04-2006, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amit_chandak

hi all,
i am a newbie to linux,i have a small doubt,in windows whenever we install a software or pcakage it gets installed in a particular folder(Program files) so that whenever we use the software it executes the binary code of that software from that folder but in linux we can install any package any where,and we can also run the installed package from the terminal(we need not be in the installed folder while executing),so how does this happens,is the PATH set to check all the folders? Please explain.

Thanks in advance.

In some fundamentals, Windows and Linux are really no different. For example, in Windows, you can put program files (executables) anywhere you want to. The "programs" folder is only a convention. Same answer for Linux---there are conventions for where executables go, but you can put them anywhere you like.

In both OSes, you can create shortcuts (links)

In Linux, you have the PATH variable to tell the system where to look for executables. In Windows, this info is in the Registry??

In Linux, you can modify the PATH variable at the command line, or in one of the init configuration files. Don't know the equivalent for Windows.