How does the terminal know where python 3.6 is located?

[freeradical]

In usr/bin, I have python 2.7 (pre)installed.

I installed python 3.6, and when I'm in usr/bin, I can simply type python3.6 and it starts up even though the installer didn't put the program there. How is this possible?

[rz]

When terminal starts, it reads a file (likely .bashrc) that has search paths. It will automatically search for programs in those locations.

[freeradical]

Ah, so the installer probably wrote to that file.

Thanks

[JoeH]

usr/bin was probably already defined as part of the search path to be used for commands. It is a fairly standard location for unix commands to be found.

[Racer X]

I always know where MY python is miley-shocked003:

[mattkime]

`which python` will show you which version of python its finding.