Linux How To Find Where A Software Is Installed – Follow This Simple Guide To Find Quickly!

Linux How To Find Where A Software Is Installed - Follow This Simple Guide To Find Quickly!

Knowing where software is installed in Linux is crucial for troubleshooting, managing dependencies, and configuring system settings. Unlike Windows, where installed programs are typically found in C:\Program Files, Linux uses a more complex and organized filesystem. 

To find where software is installed on Linux, use commands like which software-name for executables, where is software-name for multiple locations, or dpkg -L package-name (Debian) and rpm -ql package-name (RHEL) for installed files.

This article explores various ways to locate installed software on a Linux system.

Understanding Linux Filesystem Structure!

Linux organizes installed software in different directories depending on how they were installed:

  • /bin and /usr/bin – System executables and common software
  • /opt – Optional software, usually third-party apps
  • /usr/local/bin – User-installed software
  • ~/.local/bin – User-specific installations

Using the locate Command to Find Installed Software!

Another way to find where a software is installed on Linux is by using the locate command. This command searches for files quickly by using a pre-built database. To use it, first update the database with sudo updatedb, then run locate software-name. This will display all file paths related to the software. 

Using the locate Command to Find Installed Software!
Source: codetwo

However, locate might not always show the latest installed files unless the database is updated. It is a fast and efficient method to find software locations, especially when you need to locate multiple files related to a program.

Using the which Command!

Which command is useful for finding the executable path of a command?

which firefox

This command returns the path where Firefox is installed, if it exists in the system’s $PATH.

Using the whereis Command!

The whereis command provides additional information about a program:

whereis gcc

This shows the binary location, source files, and manual pages.

Using the locate Command!

The locate command finds files quickly:

locate vlc

Before using it, update the database with:

sudo updatedb

Using the find Command!

If locate does not yield results, find can search manually:

find / -name “vlc” 2>/dev/null

This searches for vlc across the entire filesystem, ignoring errors.

Read: When A Software Is Freemium What Does That Mean – A Comprehensive Guide!

Using the dpkg -L Command (For Debian-based systems)!

For Debian-based systems like Ubuntu, use:

dpkg -L firefox

This lists all files installed by the Firefox package.

Using the rpm -ql Command (For RHEL-based systems)!

For RPM-based distributions like Fedora, use:

rpm -ql firefox

This lists the files associated with the installed package.

Using pip show for Python Packages!

To find where a Python package is installed:

pip show numpy

This shows the installation path and metadata.

Using npm root -g for Node.js Packages!

For globally installed Node.js packages, use:

npm root -g

This displays the global installation directory.

Using flatpak list and snap list for Sandboxed Applications!

Flatpak and Snap package managers store software in different locations. Use:

flatpak list

snap list

To get package details and paths.

Checking Environment Variables ($PATH)!

The $PATH variable determines where executables are found:

echo $PATH

Adding directories to $PATH can make custom software accessible globally.

Finding Software Installed from Source!

Software compiled from source is usually found in /usr/local/bin/ or /opt/. When you install software from source, it does not go into the usual system folders like /usr/bin/. Instead, it is placed in /usr/local/bin/ or /opt/. This is done to keep system files separate from manually installed programs. If you cannot find your software, check /usr/local/bin/ or /opt/ first. Many programs installed this way are placed in these locations by default. You can open a terminal and use the ls command to see if the files are in /usr/local/bin/ or /opt/.

Finding Software Installed from Source!
Source: revouninstaller

If you are unsure whether the software was installed correctly, checking the installation logs can help. These logs will show you where the software was placed. Look for messages that mention /usr/local/bin/ or /opt/. If the software is missing, you may need to check if the installation completed successfully. Sometimes, you might need to add /usr/local/bin/ or /opt/ to your system’s PATH to run the software easily. Always review the installation logs for details on the software’s location in /usr/local/bin/ or /opt/.

Graphical Methods to Find Installed Software!

1. Synaptic: A Graphical Tool for Managing Packages on Debian-Based Systems:

Synaptic is a useful tool for Debian-based systems like Ubuntu. It provides a simple way to install, update, and remove software using a graphical interface. Instead of using terminal commands, users can search for apps, check details, and manage software easily.

2. GNOME Software: A User-Friendly Package Manager for Fedora-Based Systems:

GNOME Software is a helpful tool for Fedora-based systems. It allows users to install and update software without using the terminal. With a clean and simple interface, users can browse available apps, check reviews, and manage updates with just a few clicks.

Read: Tristar Ai Junior Software Engineer Salary – Everything You Need To Know!

FAQs:

1. How do I check if a package is installed in Linux?

Use dpkg -l package-name (Debian) or rpm -q package-name (RHEL) to verify installation.

2. Why can’t which find my software?

It may not be in your $PATH. Use find or locate instead.

3. How do I find a missing command’s path?

Use whereis or find / -name command-name to search for it.

4. Where does Ubuntu install software from the Software Center?

Typically in /usr/bin/ or /snap/bin/ if using Snap packages.

5. How do I add a new software path to $PATH?

Edit ~/.bashrc or ~/.profile and add:

export PATH=”$PATH:/new/path”

Then run source ~/.bashrc.

Conclusion:

Finding installed software in Linux depends on the package manager, installation method, and filesystem structure. Commands like which, find, locate, dpkg -L, and rpm -ql make it easier to locate applications.

Also Read:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *