Linux is a popular open-source operating system which has been around since the 1980s. It’s so old that it doesn’t even really have its own name anymore, just “Linux”. When you want to run a program or command in Linux, type in terminal:
The “how to run a program in linux command-line” is a tutorial that will teach you how to run a program from the Linux terminal. The tutorial also includes information on how to use colors, and other useful commands.
You’ve come to the correct place if you’re new to Linux, specifically the command line, and want to learn how to execute a program in Linux. Running applications in Linux is similar to running programs in Windows. Isn’t it simple to say? But don’t worry; in no time, you’ll be able to execute any application.
You’ll learn how to execute applications in Linux using both a GUI and a command-line environment in this lesson. These ways for running a program will be useful to anybody who uses Linux, from a newbie to a power user.
Ready? Let’s get this party started!
Prerequisites
Ensure you have a Linux host ready to start with Ubuntu Desktop 15.04 or later. This article utilizes Ubuntu 15.04 (Desktop) with GNOME installed, but any newer distribution should work in the same way.
Related:Your Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Directories in Linux
Using the Application (App) Launcher to Start Programs
Within Windows, there are often several methods to start a software, and Linux is no exception. We’ll begin by utilizing the Launcher to execute a program, which is the most frequent method.
The Launcher is the most frequent way to execute applications under Linux. The Launcher is a bar that looks like the Windows start menu and displays a list of icons that may be clicked to launch apps.
The App Launcher in Ubuntu is positioned on the left side of the screen, as seen below, and contains the most regularly used programs. To run the software, just double-click the program’s icon.
Using the GUI to access the Launcher applications
Using the Applications Menu to Start Programs (Unity Dash)
Unity Dash may also be used to execute apps under Ubuntu Linux. The Applications Menu, often known as Unity Dash, is a convenient method to find and execute applications in GNOME. Click the Ubuntu button in the upper left corner to access the Applications Menu.
Using the Unity Dash, choose the icon to search for and run applications.
The menu opens a search bar with any previously executed applications, as seen below.
In previous versions of Ubuntu, use the Unity Dash to look for the program you wish to execute.
When you type in the proper name of the software you’re searching for (for example, Firefox), it will show, and you may choose it to begin it.
Unity Dash has been replaced by Activities in the top left corner of your screen in Ubuntu Linux v20.04+, however the method for running an application has not changed.
Launching a Program Using the command run
The Run command is another way to start programs in Linux. The Launch command in Linux is a convenient method to rapidly run a program by typing it and running it.
To use the Run command, press Alt-F2 to bring up the Run Command window.
The run command may also be accessed by pressing Alt-F2.
Using the command run
After that, input the name of the software you’d want to execute. In this example, you’ll open Terminal, type terminal, choose the Terminal icon, and press Enter.
The software will start if you choose the icon or press enter.
Linux will start the Terminal program, as seen below.
Using Hot Keys to Run Programs
You may also utilize hotkeys to launch apps if you’re a keyboard ninja who prefers to avoid using the mouse, like we did in the previous example. You may utilize the Super Key (Windows Key) + A in any Linux distribution. The Super Key will bring up a text box where you may put in the name of a program and all apps will be shown alphabetically, as seen below.
You may browse to a program by typing its name in the search box or by clicking on it with your mouse if it appears instantly.
Using Hot Keys to Run Programs
Using Linux Keyboard Shortcuts to Run Programs
The rest of this lesson will concentrate on utilizing non-GUI-based options to run programs now that you’ve learnt how to use GUI options to launch programs. First, let’s look at keyboard shortcuts. Using keyboard shortcuts might save you a lot of time.
To set up keyboard shortcuts in Ubuntu, follow these steps:
1. Go back to the upper left corner and choose Keyboard Shortcut. Below should see the Keyboard application. When it appears, click it.
Launching the Keyboard Shortcut after selecting the icon
2. Select the Shortcut tab in the Keyboard program.
Selecting Keyboard Shortcut from the Activities menu in Ubuntu 20.04 and newer takes you straight to the Shortcuts tab.
How to Get to the Shortcuts Tab
3. To create a new keyboard shortcut, click the Plus symbol. Ubuntu will take you to the section for Custom Shortcuts.
Creating a New Keyboard Shortcut
4. Next, give the shortcut key a descriptive name and choose the Command (software) to run, then click Apply.
Entering the Shortcut’s name and program to use
The Name appears under Custom Shortcuts when Ubuntu generates the shortcut, but it is deactivated.
Seeing a shortcut key that has been created but is not active
5. Now, as indicated above, click the Disabled text and execute the chosen keyboard shortcut, such as Ctrl+T. It will appear when you input your preferred shortcut, as illustrated below.
Getting the Shortcut to Work
6. Finally, hit the keyboard shortcut to start the program!
Using the Terminal to Run a Program
Although, if you’re new to Linux, you’ll probably be using the GUI to execute applications, if you need to utilize the command line for any reason, the Terminal makes it simple. The Terminal is a command-line tool that lets you use the keyboard to control all aspects of Linux.
Open the App Launcher (or Activities) in the top left corner and start the Terminal application as shown below to execute programs in the Terminal.
Getting to the Terminal
Simply input the program’s name and hit Enter when the Terminal appears, as seen below.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Directories and Files in Linux
Not all apps will operate if you run them in the Terminal. It’s possible that certain applications aren’t in the PATH.
The final consequence of launching the program is
Conclusion
You’ve studied a variety of ways to execute applications under Linux in this course. You should now be able to start applications wherever you are in Linux using both GUI and command-line techniques.
Install applications in Linux using the instruction to install a typical software like Docker for practice and then execute it using a shortcut, command line, or GUI interface. Which method will you use to run your favorite apps the most?
The “how to start program in linux” is an article that explains how to run a program in Linux. It includes the steps on how to start a program, as well as some of the most common commands.
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