In this article, we’ll discuss about how we can open a bin file in Linux. Before we get into the topic, let’s go over a quick brief about what a bin file actually is.

What is a bin file?

A .bin file is a self-extracting binary file for Linux and Unix-like operating systems. Bin files often used for distributing executable files for program installations. The .bin extension is most commonly associated with compressed binary files. If you try to open it normally, you might not be able to. Even if you do open it in a text editor somehow, you will not be able to understand, as a .bin file is in binary.

Steps to extract/open a bin file in Linux

To extract or open a bin file, follow the steps mentioned below

1. Open Terminal

Go to your applications on Ubuntu and search for Terminal. Alternatively, you cal use the shortcut CTRL+ALT+T.

2. Mark the file as executable

Mark the file as executable using chmod command.

$ chmod +x file_name.bin

This is a necessary step as without changing the file permissions to allow execution, the next step will not work.

3. Execute the file

Now execute the file using the command :

$ ./file_name.bin

In case of permission issues, try executing the file as root using sudo command.

$ sudo ./file_name.bin

Conclusion

That brings us to the end of the topic! I hope you now know exactly how to open a bin file in Linux. Most of the errors that occur while working with executable binary files are related to permissions and can easily be corrected by changing the file permissions or running the file as root.