Ubuntu – What is the Linux Equivalent to C:\Program Files?

directory-structurerhelsoftware installationsuseUbuntu

I understand that in Windows as well as Linux and Unix, a program|application|software can be installed in any directory. Also if packages are installed using the distribution's packaging system, it'll place files in the correct location.

But at times, a software installation prompts for a path to place files. In case of a Linux distro where is this default place (C:\Program Files or C:\progra~1 equivalent)? Is it different for various distributions? If yes, where would this be for RHEL, Suse and Ubuntu?

Best Answer

The Linux Documentation Project has a description of the Linux filesystem hierarchy where they explain the different folders and their (partly historical) meaning.

As xenoterracide already pointed out /bin and /opt are the standard directories which can be compared to "Program Files" on Windows.

/bin contains several useful commands that are of use to both the system administrator as well as non-privileged users. It usually contains the shells like bash, csh, etc.... and commonly used commands like cp, mv, rm, cat, ls.

(quoted from TLDP)

/opt is reserved for all the software and add-on packages that are not part of the default installation. For example, StarOffice, Kylix, Netscape Communicator and WordPerfect packages are normally found here.

(quoted from TLDP)

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