(find.info)Invoking find

7.1 Invoking `find'
===================

     find [-H] [-L] [-P] [FILE...] [EXPRESSION]

   `find' searches the directory tree rooted at each file name FILE by
evaluating the EXPRESSION on each file it finds in the tree.

   The options `-H', `-L' or `-P' may be specified at the start of the
command line (if none of these is specified, `-P' is assumed).  The
arguments after these are a list of files or directories that should be
searched.

   This list of files to search is followed by a list of expressions
describing the files we wish to search for.  The first part of the
expression is recognised by the fact that it begins with `-', `(', `)',
`,', or `!'.  Any arguments after it are the rest of the expression.
If no paths are given, the current directory is used.  If no expression
is given, the expression `-print' is used.

   `find' exits with status 0 if all files are processed successfully,
greater than 0 if errors occur.

   Three options can precede the list of path names.  They determine the
way that symbolic links are handled.

`-P'
     Never follow symbolic links (this is the default), except in the
     case of the `-xtype' predicate.

`-L'
     Always follow symbolic links, except in the case of the `-xtype'
     predicate.

`-H'
     Follow symbolic links specified in the list of paths to search, or
     which are otherwise specified on the command line.

   If `find' would follow a symbolic link, but cannot for any reason
(for example, because it has insufficient permissions or the link is
broken), it falls back on using the properties of the symbolic link
itself.  Note: Symbolic Links for a more complete description of how
symbolic links are handled.

   Note: Primary Index, for a summary of all of the tests, actions,
and options that the expression can contain.  If the expression is
missing, `-print' is assumed.

   `find' also recognizes two options for administrative use:

`--help'
     Print a summary of the command-line argument format and exit.

`--version'
     Print the version number of `find' and exit.

Warning Messages