linux command - find

find belongs to GNU Findutils which also includes locate, updatedb, xargs.

Function

Search for files in a directory hierarchy.

Snopsis

find [path...] [expression]

Expression

An expression is made up of options, tests and actions, all separated by operators.

Numeric arguments

• +n for greater than n,
• -n for less than n,
• n for exactly n.

tests

• -name, -iname
• -path, -ipath
• -regex, -iregex
• -type
  
  • d, directory
  • f, regular file
  • l, symbolic link
• -size n[ckMG]
  
  • c, byte

actions

• -print, this is the default action
• -delete
• -exec command ;
  
  • {} represents the file matched
• -exec command {} +

operators

Describe logical relationship between tests.

• -and, this is default when omitted. shortened -a
• -or, shortened -o
• -not, shortened -!
• (), note to escape with \

Warning

• wildcards and special symbols must be quoted or escaped

  Double quotes do not suppress the substitution of words that begin with “$” but they do suppress the expansion of wildcard characters.

• use -print0 with xargs -0 for executing commands

Notes

• find -exec cmd {} + vs | xargs
• What is the difference between find . and find . -print