$ Linux Command

Shell

whereis

Locate binary, source, and manual files.

pathbinarymanualsource

Additional Notes

whereis locates command-related files such as binaries, source files, and manual pages. It searches a set of standard system locations rather than doing a broad filesystem search.

Use whereis when you want a quick overview of where a command's executable and documentation live. Use which or command -v when you only care what executable your shell will run.

Syntax

whereis [options] name...

Parameters

  • name: Command or program name to locate.
  • options: Filters that choose binary, manual, source, or search-path behavior.

Common Options

  • -b: Search only for binaries.
  • -m: Search only for manual pages.
  • -s: Search only for source files.
  • -u: Show names with unusual results, such as missing one expected file type.
  • -B DIRS -f NAME: Search for binaries only in specific directories.
  • -M DIRS -f NAME: Search for manual pages only in specific directories.
  • -S DIRS -f NAME: Search for source files only in specific directories.

Examples

whereis ls

Show binary and manual locations for ls.

whereis -b bash

Show only binary paths.

whereis -m ssh

Show manual page locations.

whereis -u '*'

Look for unusual entries according to whereis rules.

Practical Notes

  • whereis is not a full filesystem search. Use find or locate for that.
  • whereis may show files your shell will not run because it is not limited to PATH.
  • Use which or command -v to answer, what command runs if I type this?