Linux InstallFest XXXI - Dual Boot and extra hard drive

[Tom Metro]

Jerry Feldman wrote:
> Gary Johnson wrote:
>> ...it took me a day to figure out you needed a . in front of it to
>> get it to execute.
>
> Usually, the current directory is not included 
> because of well documented hacks. So, when you type a command name, it 
> will only search the $PATH. To run something from any directory not in 
> $PATH you need the full path (beginning with /) or a relative path 
> beginning with ./. $HOME and ~ are essentially full paths.

The OP might have been referring to:

% ./script

providing script was marked as executable, in which case your 
explanation applies, or he could have been referring to:

% . script

which is just a shortcut for:

% source script

  -Tom

-- 
Tom Metro
Venture Logic, Newton, MA, USA
"Enterprise solutions through open source."
Professional Profile: http://tmetro.venturelogic.com/