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Asked: 2024-09-25T01:01:40+05:30 In:

How can I launch an executable program through the terminal on Ubuntu?

Hey everyone, I’ve been diving into the world of Ubuntu lately, and I can’t quite wrap my head around launching executable programs through the terminal. I’ve always used GUIs for everything, but now I want to step up my game and start using the terminal more effectively.

So here’s the deal: I’ve got a small project that involves some Python scripts and a few other executables that I need to run, but every time I try to do it through the terminal, I feel like I’m lost in a maze. I know there are commands to do this, and it seems like all the cool kids are managing to handle tasks way faster using the terminal. But when I attempt it, I just end up with a bunch of error messages or nothing happening at all.

I’ve read something about making files executable with chmod and using the ./ command, but it didn’t seem to work for me. Like, do I need to be in the right directory or something? And if the executable is in some folder deep within my file system, how do I navigate there without getting frustrated?

Also, I stumbled upon some files that end with .sh and .run, and I don’t even know what the difference is between those and regular executables. Do I need to run those differently too? And what about permissions? I often feel like I’m navigating a minefield of access errors.

I’ve tried searching online for a straightforward tutorial, but they all seem overly complicated or assume I know too much. I’m looking for some simple, step-by-step advice from someone who’s been in the same boat as me. It’d be great if you could break it down and help me understand how to run a program like a pro. Bonus points if you can include some common pitfalls to avoid!

Your help would mean the world to me as I want to get more comfortable with this whole terminal thing. Thanks in advance!

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    2 Answers



    1. Getting Started with Executables in Ubuntu

      Running Executable Programs in Ubuntu

      First off, don’t worry! Everyone starts somewhere, and the terminal can feel pretty daunting at first. But once you get the hang of it, it can be your best friend!

      1. Navigating Directories

      To run your scripts or executables, you need to be in the right directory. You can use the cd command to change directories. For example:

      cd /path/to/your/project

      To see what’s in your current directory, just type ls and hit enter. Get comfortable with these commands!

      2. Making Files Executable

      If you have a script or program that you need to run, you might have to make it executable first. You do this with the chmod command:

      chmod +x your_script.py

      This makes your_script.py executable. Now you can run it!

      3. Running the Program

      To run the program, use:

      ./your_script.py

      The ./ tells the terminal, “Hey, look in my current directory for this script!”.

      4. What About .sh and .run Files?

      Files ending in .sh are shell scripts and can be run in a similar way:

      chmod +x your_script.sh
      ./your_script.sh

      For .run files, they might also need the same command:

      chmod +x your_file.run
      ./your_file.run

      So, the steps are pretty much the same!

      5. Common Pitfalls

      • Make sure you are in the right directory before you try to run your script.
      • Don’t forget to make the file executable with chmod.
      • If you see a permission error, double-check the permissions with ls -l.
      • Your scripts may need specific versions of Python. You can check with python3 your_script.py.

      6. Wrapping It Up

      So, just remember the flow: navigate to the right directory, make your file executable, and then run it. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be cruising through the terminal like a pro! You’re going to get the hang of this faster than you think!



    2. To run executable programs in Ubuntu through the terminal, it’s essential to understand your working directory and file permissions. First, you need to navigate to the directory containing your script or executable file. Use the cd command to change directories, for example, cd /path/to/your/folder. Once you are in the correct directory, you can run your Python script or any executable file. For a Python script, use python3 your_script.py. If you’re attempting to run a standalone executable, you must ensure it’s marked as executable. You can grant execution permissions using chmod +x your_executable and then run it with ./your_executable. Remember that the ./ indicates that you want to execute something in the current directory.

      Regarding files ending with .sh and .run, both are types of shell scripts. To execute them, you can either use ./your_script.sh after ensuring it’s executable with chmod +x, or you may use bash your_script.sh if you prefer to specify the shell explicitly. Common pitfalls include forgetting to navigate to the correct directory, neglecting to set the executable permission, and running an incorrect version of Python. If you encounter an access error, check the file’s permissions using ls -l, which will display the permissions of files in the directory. By adhering to these guidelines and practices, you’ll steadily build your command-line skills and increase efficiency in managing tasks through the terminal.


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