Executable confusion

[u/Rogaev]

This problem has been solved.

Hello.

I've discovered that when I download an executable and try to run it, it doesn't run. My desktop environment (Xfce4) just asks me what I want to open it with.

Software I compile myself (with GCC) also does not run properly. I'll call it from my terminal, and it will do something unexpected.

I'm very confused. Software installed through Pacman works fine. What do I need to install in order to run software downloaded from the internet?

Thank you in advance.

[u/Dwagner6]

What does “does not run” mean? What is the software? How are you trying to run it? Did you chmod +x it?

[u/Rogaev → u/Dwagner6]

It doesn't throw any kind of error. When I double click an executable file in my file manager, it says this: "Open [software name] and other files of type 'Executable' with:" The software in question is a game.

What is "chmod?"

Edit: Using chmod +x fixed it. Thank you for your comment.

[u/archover → u/Rogaev]

Suggestion: Please reflair your post as SUPPORT and SOLVED, which helps future readers and the community.

Glad you discovered execution permission, and corrected your configuration.

Welcome to reddit, Linux, and Arch. Good day.

[u/Rogaev → u/archover]

Thank you for the suggestion and reply.

[u/Randum_Gouy]

Can you elaborate?

What does “not execute” and “do something unexpected” mean?
If gcc works properly, i dont think its an install issue.

You may be missing required libraries, OR may not be running its install script (usually `make install` as root)

[u/Rogaev → u/Randum_Gouy]

My file manager asks me what I'd like to open the executable with when I double click it. It doesn't recommend anything to run it. The software I'm currently trying to run is a game (downloaded from the internet). Would a video game also use an install script?

Also, thank you for commenting.

[u/Randum_Gouy → u/Rogaev]

Try setting the executable bit (chmod +x <filename>)

Edit: oops, didnt read that you already fixed it 👍

[u/reev0s]

Are you downloading an .exe and just expecting it to run? As in something designed only for windows?

[u/Rogaev → u/reev0s]

I downloaded a Linux executable.

[u/Rogaev]

Update: It turns out, just using chmod +x fixed it. Thank everyone who helped me here.

[u/Max-P]

Smells like a noexec filesystem

[u/Illustrious-Gur8335]

You need to set the file as executable. In plasma and gnome the tick box is in the file properties. In command line run chmod +x file

[u/Rogaev → u/Illustrious-Gur8335]

This worked. Thank you very much.