using ./
 

hello all,
whenever we have to execute any executable file why we use ./ before a.out please mail me answers as soon as possible. thanks
bi
Anupam

By default the current working directory isn't in the PATH so you have to explicitly use ./ for your program to be found.

Oh yeah, good luck on your test ;)

Because of the following scenario:

Malicious user is able to put malware into your home directory, with the same filename as a common command - "ls" or "cd", for instance.

If just typing the filename worked, then you could run the malware instead of the proper file - infecting your computer.

By requiring the ./ at the front, which specifies the current directory, the above scenario can never happen, as you would have to type "./ls" instead of just "ls"

Good luck with the homework ;)