Check for command's existance without executing it

Question

How can I check if a command can be successfully executed without actually executing it? For example, if i want to connect to another host using telnet connection, how do i check if telnet client exists or not? Or if I want to do a cp or mkdir or rmdir, how do I check if any of these commands can be valid before executing them?

Access the system PATH variable, split by folder-name, and check to see if foldername+command exists? — kufudo
– kufudo, Commented Mar 28, 2013 at 8:53
you could also try if exists also if you type if/? in cmd you can find some info there — CMS_95
– CMS_95, Commented Oct 11, 2013 at 1:01

0__0 · Accepted Answer · 2013-03-28 09:04:17Z

3

You can always run

which telnet

this will tell you the actual file that would be executed. However, it will not tell you if the command will run with success. For instance, which cp will only tell you where the executable is and not if the files being copied exist and you have the right to copy them to the chosen destination.

Hope this helps

edited Mar 28, 2013 at 9:04

answered Mar 28, 2013 at 8:57

0__0

8347 silver badges22 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

1 Comment

AlwaysALearner Over a year ago

So, in general, if there is a <command_name>, i need to check if <command_name> exists or not by executing which <command_name>. Is that what you are saying?

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Check for command's existance without executing it

1 Answer 1

1 Comment

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

1 Comment

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related