When a file is executed, how does Unix search for it? If there are multiple executable files in PATH with the same name, which one is preferred? Is the current directory included in the search when a file is executed?
Suppose there is a file with name executable.sh in the current directory. Would that work if it is executed $ executed and . is not part of the PATH?
Best Answer
The $PATH is searched from beginning to end, with the first matching executable being run. So directories at the beginning of $PATH take precedence over those that come later. Executables in the current directory (.) are only executed if . is in $PATH (which it usually isn't). There is no implicit inclusion of the current directory in the search path.