type (Unix)

In Unix, type is a command that describes how its arguments would be interpreted if used as command names.

Function

Where applicable, type will display the command name's path. Possible command types are:

• shell built-in
• function
• alias
• hashed command
• keyword

The command returns a non-zero exit status if command names cannot be found.

Examples

$ type test
test is a shell builtin
$ type cp
cp is /bin/cp
$ type unknown
-bash: type: unknown: not found
$ type type
type is a shell builtin
$ type -a gzip
gzip is /opt/local/bin/gzip
gzip is /usr/bin/gzip

See also

• List of Unix utilities
• command (shell builtin)
• which (Unix)
• hash (Unix)