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Asked: 2024-09-25T02:53:46+05:30 In: ,

What is the Linux equivalent of an executable file commonly found on Windows systems?

I’ve been diving into Linux recently, and it’s been quite a journey. You know, coming from a Windows background, it feels like I’m learning a whole new language! One thing that’s been on my mind is how different the two operating systems really are, especially when it comes to how they handle applications and files.

So, I stumbled across something interesting—executables. On Windows, we’ve got those .exe files, and I’ve gotten pretty used to just double-clicking those to run something. But now that I’m getting my feet wet with Linux, I keep wondering: what’s the equivalent of that .exe file here? I’ve done a bit of searching, but I feel like I need a clearer answer to wrap my head around it.

I’ve seen mentions of file types like scripts or binaries, but it’s still a bit foggy to me. Sometimes, I’ll come across files with no extensions at all, and it makes me pause. I’ve also read about file permissions and needing to mark a file as executable, which is all new to me. Like, why does it seem like I need to perform some kind of ritual just to run a program? In Windows, it’s usually just a click away!

And then there are these things called shell scripts that some folks talk about—like they can be executable too. Does that mean I can just write a simple script and run it as an application? If it’s not too much trouble, could someone clarify this whole executable file situation for me? I’d love to hear how you all transitioned from Windows to Linux and what your experience was like navigating these differences. What do you typically use as executables in Linux? Any tips for a newbie trying to make sense of it all would be super appreciated!

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    2 Answers


    1. It’s awesome to hear about your journey into Linux! Transitioning from Windows can definitely feel like learning a new language, but that’s part of the fun!

      When it comes to executables in Linux, you’re right; it’s a bit different than what you’re used to with the .exe files on Windows. In Linux, you can run executables (which can be binaries or scripts) directly from the terminal or through a file manager, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

      • No Extensions: Unlike Windows, Linux doesn’t rely on file extensions to determine a file’s type. A file can be executed regardless of its extension (or lack thereof), as long as it has the right permissions.
      • File Permissions: This is where the “ritual” part comes in! For a file to be executable, you need to set the executable permission. You can do this with the command chmod +x filename. This tells the system, “Hey, I want to run this file!” It’s a security feature to ensure that only trusted files can be executed.

      As for the types of executable files:

      • Binaries: These are compiled programs, similar to .exe files. They usually reside in directories like /bin or /usr/bin.
      • Scripts: Shell scripts (like .sh files) can also be made executable. You just write the commands you want to run in a text file, and then mark it as executable, just like a binary. Super handy for automating tasks!

      So yes, if you whip up a simple shell script and give it the executable permission, you can run it just like any app! Just remember to start it with ./scriptname in the terminal. That ./ tells Linux to look for the script in the current directory.

      Your experience transitioning might feel a bit bumpy at first with all these differences, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll probably appreciate the control and flexibility that Linux offers. Just take it a step at a time, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or look things up as you go!

      Good luck, and enjoy the adventure!



    2. In the Linux environment, the concept of executables is indeed different from what you may be familiar with in Windows. While Windows applications are commonly packaged as .exe files, in Linux, there isn’t a strict file extension requirement for executables. Instead, any file can be made executable by setting the appropriate permissions. Executables can take many forms, including binary files (compiled applications) and scripts (text files containing commands). You can identify the type of executable by examining its content or using commands like `file`. Scripts, such as shell scripts, can be created using a simple text editor; once you’ve written your script, you would typically make it executable by running `chmod +x scriptname` in the terminal. This command changes the file permissions, allowing it to be executed like any other program.

      Regarding the “ritual” you mentioned, Linux prioritizes security and system integrity, which is why you need to explicitly set a file as executable. This system design ensures that you consciously permit a file to run, rather than executing it by mere double-clicking as in Windows. To run a script or binary file, you can use the terminal and prefix the command with `./` if the file is in your current directory (e.g., `./my_script`). Many experienced users leverage shell scripts for automation and routine tasks, which can serve as handy executables tailored to specific needs. As you progress, you’ll find that understanding these intricacies not only enhances your interaction with Linux but also gives you greater control over your working environment.


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