If you encounter the dreaded 'command not found' error, fear not! It simply implies that your executable's directory hasn't made its grand entrance onto your path. Let's embark on a journey to unveil the elusive full path to your desired file, unveil the secrets of your path environment variables, and gracefully append new directories to your path when the need arises.
Essential Knowledge Nuggets
- Employ the mystical 'find' command to unearth the path to your desired program.
- Execute commands to bestow paths or reveal the enigmatic path environment variable.
- Through the power of command, seamlessly integrate a newfound directory into the illustrious path.
Pathfinding Odyssey

Unlocking the Secret of File Paths in Unix

Revealing Your Path Environment Variable:
When you enter a command, the shell hunts it down in the directories specified by your path. Use echo $PATH to unveil which directories your shell checks for executable files. Here's how:
- Type
- Expect a result similar to: usr/local/bin:/usr/sbin:/usr/bin:/sbin:/bin.
- This list showcases directories housing executable files. An error appears if a file or command lies beyond these confines.

Adding a New Directory to the Path:
Suppose you wish to run a file named fun. Armed with knowledge from the find command, which revealed its presence in a directory named /games/awesome, not currently in your path. No worries:
- Type export PATH=$PATH:/games/awesome and hit ↵ Enter.
- Now, simply type fun at the command line (instead of /games/awesome/fun) and hit ↵ Enter.
- This alteration applies to the current shell only. To make it permanent, add the command to your shell's configuration file (e.g., .bashrc, .cshrc).
Handy Tips
-
In Unix-type operating systems (BSD, Linux, etc.), the shell doesn't search your current directory by default unless it's part of your path. Correct this by adding a period (dot) to denote the current directory. Adjust this within your home directory, housing '.profile'. Utilize an editor like vi to amend and save changes.
Cautionary Notes
- Exercise prudence when operating with root privileges.