where do i put my written scripts

mahmoud · 11-27-2007, 06:12 PM

hi
i have written a few scripts i want to be able to run them from any user and any directory
i have changed the permissions i just cant remember where to put the script so i can run it like any normal command for example
when you run
$ls
i want to run my script like that from anywhere

indienick · 11-27-2007, 06:33 PM

When you write your own scripts, you want to put them in a directory that's added to your $PATH environment variable. To see which directories are included in your $PATH, type

Code:

$ echo $PATH

at the CLI (Command Line Interface); the directories in the list are separated by colons ':'.

Note, to copy a script over to any of the directories listed in your $PATH, you more than likely need to be root;

Code:

$ su
Password: [type in your root password]
# cp -v myscript /copy/to/dir/

If you want to limit who can run the scripts to just you, create a directory in your home dir, and let's call it "bin":

Code:

$ mkdir ~/bin

Now, you have to add this directory to $PATH so that bash (assuming you're using bash) will know to look there:

Code:

$ echo "export PATH=$PATH:/home/user/bin" >> ~/.bashrc"

PS. In case you're wondering, the '>>' means append whatever is on the left of it, to the file to the right of the sign.

Poetics · 11-27-2007, 06:42 PM

Most users have access to /usr/local/bin which exists for local binaries and related files -- I generally throw my systemwide scripts there.