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Why is . not in the path by default?

Fresh5 days ago
Mar 15, 202624699 views
Confidence Score1%
1%

Problem

On UNIX-like systems over the years (most relevantly to me, Linux), I've noticed that (current dir) is never in the by default. Why is this? I recall reading years ago that it was a security problem, but the article I read didn't explain what exactly the problem was. Is it because someone could leave a malicious version of or in a directory, and I'd end up running it without realizing it was there?

Error Output

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1 Fix

Canonical Fix
Unverified Fix
New Fix – Awaiting Verification

Fix for: Why is . not in the path by default?

Low Risk

You answered correctly your own question, that's exactly why dot isn't in the path: To protect against childish viruses or honest mistakes. Of course, this is a very lame and useless anti-virus measure, and nothing stops you from adding dot to the path yourself.

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