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Use type -a name in Bash to see how the shell can resolve a command; use whereis name to look for related binary, source and manual files; and use whatis name for a brief description from local manual-page indexes. They answer different questions, so one is not a substitute for another.
Which command will Bash run?
When a name behaves unexpectedly, start with type -a name. Bash checks shell functions and builtins before searching PATH for an executable, and type -a can show multiple matches. This helps reveal whether a command name is being handled by a function or builtin instead of the executable you expected. See the Bash command lookup rules and the Bash manual entry for type.
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To ask specifically for an executable path, use type -P name. The commonly used which name is aimed at executable lookup, but implementations vary; it is not a dependable way to explain every shell function, alias or builtin. The University of Vienna Bash workshop also frames command-finding tools around distinct questions, such as where a command is installed and what it does.
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Where are the command’s related files?
whereis name looks for binary, source and manual files associated with a name. For example, whereis ls searches for related files, while whereis -b ls limits the search to binaries and whereis -m ls to manual pages. Use whereis -s name to look for source files.
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Its search is based on standard locations and can use PATH and MANPATH; it does not guarantee that every installed copy will be found. The available locations vary by system and configuration. The util-linux whereis(1) manual documents further controls: -B, -M and -S constrain the binary, manual and source directories searched; -f separates those directory lists from the names to check; and -l lists effective lookup paths. Exact behavior and locations depend on the installed version and environment.
What does the name do?
whatis name searches manual-page names and returns short descriptions. For instance, whatis printf may show a shell-builtin entry and one or more manual entries, depending on which pages are installed and indexed on your system.
whatis reads local manual-page index data maintained by mandb; it does not search the internet or inspect program source. Missing entries or a stale index can make results incomplete. For wildcard matching, use whatis -w; for regular-expression matching, use whatis -r. Quote patterns when needed so your shell does not expand or interpret them before the command receives them. For fuller instructions than a one-line description, open the relevant page with man name. See the whatis(1) manual.
A practical sequence for an unfamiliar command
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Run
type -a namein Bash to see the kinds of matches Bash can resolve. -
If you want only an executable path, run
type -P name. -
Run
whereis nameto look for associated binary, source and manual files.Rank #4
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Run
whatis namefor a brief manual-page description, thenman namefor fuller documentation.Recommended Free Tools
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Check your own output: installed packages, distributions and configuration affect which files and manual entries are available. Bash-specific resolution details should not be assumed to describe every shell.
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