How can I create new shell commands?

Question

I'm using bash, and I want to be able to execute a script just by typing its name as a command, same as pwd for example.

Is there a specific directory where I need to save my script to, or any other system files I need to edit to achieve this?

Answer 1

You can check what locations are currently checked for direct commands by looking at the $PATH variable:

echo $PATH

It's likely this includes /usr/local/bin, in which case you could put a symbolic link there:

ln -s /opt/mysuperscript /usr/local/bin/mysuperscript

Now you can just type mysuperscript to run your script.

Answer 2

In addition to making sure the script is in the $PATH, you also must make the script executable. chmod +x SCRIPTNAME is how you do that.

Answer 3

You have to install that script in one of the directories of $PATH. Use (echo $PATH) to see the directories of $PATH

• That means either copy the script to

• Or make a symbolic link to the script inside one of the directories of $PATH

• Or append the script directory to $PATH

  export PATH=$PATH:<script directory>
  

Answer 4

You may want to check the ln command. It can be used to create a link to a file or directory. Try this link to get more infomation: ln command example