This guide will show you how to run files in Linux. You can execute most files through a graphical file manager or the Terminal, which provides a powerful command-line interface.
Before you start: Ensure you have the necessary permissions to execute files, or know your user password for sudo commands.
Follow these detailed steps to execute files on your Linux system, using either a graphical file manager or the command line.
Using a file manager involves several steps. First, open a file manager application, such as Nautilus, Thunar, Dolphin, Krusader, Konqueror, or PCManFM, which are typically pre-installed on most Linux distributions. You can typically find its icon resembling a file cabinet or a folder labeled “Home” on your desktop, dock, or Activities menu. If you can’t find it, press the Super (Windows) key and type “Files” into the search bar. To install a different file manager, open the Terminal and type the relevant command: for Debian/Ubuntu, type “sudo apt install <app name=””>” and press Enter; for Fedora, type “sudo dnf install <app name=””>” and press Enter, replacing “<app name=””>” with the desired application name.
Once you have opened the file manager, navigate to the folder where your file is located by double-clicking folders in the large browsing panel. Right-click the file you want to run to display a drop-down menu. You can also double-click the file to run it with its default associated application. Click “Open With” or “Open With Other Application” from the menu, and then double-click the application you want to use to run the file. If your desired application is not immediately visible, click “View All Applications” or “Other” to see a categorized list of all installed apps.
Using the Terminal is another effective way to run files in Linux. Press Ctrl+Alt+T to open the Terminal, or click the Terminal icon in your Apps menu. Change the directory to the folder containing the file by typing “cd” followed by the directory path (e.g., “cd /Documents”) and pressing Enter. Type “sudo chmod +x <filename/>” and press Enter to grant execute permissions to the file, replacing “<filename/>” with the exact name of your file. If prompted, enter your Linux computer’s password and press Enter.
To run the file, type the appropriate command based on its type and press Enter. For executable scripts (.sh, .run, .bin), type “sudo ./<filename/>”. To open a file with its default application, type “xdg-open <filename/>”. To display an image file (requires ImageMagick), type “display <filename/>”. To display a text file directly in the Terminal, type “cat <filename/>”. To display a text file one page at a time, type “less <filename/>”. To display a text file with numbered lines, type “nl <filename/>”.
When working in the Terminal, you can use the Tab key for auto-completion of file and directory names, which saves time and prevents typos.
Mastering file execution is a fundamental skill in Linux. Once you’re comfortable with these methods, consider exploring other powerful aspects of the Linux command line. Learning more commands can significantly enhance your productivity and control over your system. You might also want to delve into shell scripting, which allows you to automate repetitive tasks and create custom commands. Many online resources and communities are available to help you continue your journey in Linux, providing a pathway to becoming a more proficient user.
