> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://riteshs4hu.gitbook.io/infosec-notes/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://riteshs4hu.gitbook.io/infosec-notes/linux-server-administrator/linux-commands/file-finding.md). # File Finding ### **`tree`** Displays directories and files in a tree-like structure. It is useful for visualising directory hierarchies. #### **Syntax** ``` tree [directory_path] ``` #### **Example:** ``` tree /home/user ``` *** ### **`find`** Searches for files and directories based on various parameters like name, type, permissions, and more. #### **Basic Syntax** ``` find [where to search] [what to search] ``` * `where to search` → The directory to start searching from. * `what to search` → Criteria like file name, type, permissions, etc. #### **Examples** ``` find /root example ``` * Searches for a file or directory named `example` in the `/root` directory. #### **`find` Command Options** The `find` command supports various options (switches) to refine search results. **1. `-name` (Search by Name)** Searches for a file or directory by its name. **Example** ``` find /usr -name user ``` * Searches for any file or directory named `user` inside `/usr`. *** **2. `-type` (Search by Type)** Filters results based on file type: * `f` → Search for files * `d` → Search for directories **Examples** ``` find / -name user -type f ``` * Finds files named `user`. ``` find / -name user -type d ``` * Finds directories named `user`. ``` find / -name shadow -type d 2> /dev/null ``` * Searches for directories named `shadow`, while redirecting permission errors to `/dev/null`. *** **3. `-readable` (Find Readable Files)** Searches for files that have read permissions. **Example** ``` find / -name user -type f -readable ``` * Finds all readable files named `user`. *** **4. `-writable` (Find Writable Files)** Searches for files that have write permissions. **Example** ``` find / -name user -type f -writable ``` * Finds all writable files named `user`. *** **5. `-exec` (Execute Commands on Found Files)** Runs a specified command on each search result. **Example** ``` find / -name user -exec pwd \; ``` * Searches for a file named `user` and runs `pwd` (prints working directory) for each result. *** ### **`which`** Locates the executable file associated with a command by searching the directories listed in the `$PATH` environment variable. #### **Syntax:** ``` which [command] ``` #### **Examples:** ``` which vim ``` * Shows the path to the `vim` executable. ``` which non_existing_command ``` * If the command is not installed, it returns no output. *** ### **`whereis`** Finds the location of binary, source, and manual files related to a command. #### **Syntax:** ``` whereis [command] ``` #### **Examples:** * Displays paths to the `vim` binary, source code, and manual files. ``` whereis vim ``` * Returns an empty result if the command is not installed. ``` whereis non_existing_command ```