Each operating system has its pros and cons, which manifest themselves during operation. The same goes for Linux. Many users regularly have problems finding files or text entries in the system. However, this problem is quite easy to solve. This article details how Linux searches the contents of files.
Search records with grep
The first way to find the necessary file or record is the grep utility built into the system. Its name stands for global regular expression print. The appearance of the program is very similar to the command line window in Windows. In order to start the search, in the grep window, enter the grep –r"" command, where you need to specify the approximate name of the file you are looking for or a piece of text in quotation marks. After that, the utility will immediately begin to explore the libraries in search of data. grep searches through the contents of files on Linux is quite slow,so you have to wait
Search for an executable file using the command which
If the user needs to find an executable program file that he accidentally deleted or lost, the which managed command will come to the rescue. For the best search, you should use the full command /home/username/.local/bin/"…", where you need to enter the file name in quotes. This command is the easiest way to search the contents of files in Linux.
Finding a file using locate
The last way to find files in Linux is the locate command. It should be borne in mind that with its help you can find a file only by its exact name, unlike the previous methods. Also, locate cannot search for text in documents. If the user knows the location of the file, but it's a long way to get to it, the command will come in handy. To search, enter locate query "…". Quotes indicate the full name of the executable file.
Any of the methods will help you quickly search through the contents of the file. But it is very important not to make a mistake when writing the name on the command line.
