Windows for /r equivalent in Linux
Runs a command for each matching file under a tree.
for /r
find . -type f -exec command {} \;
find . -type f -exec command {} \;
find . -type f -exec command {} \;
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "for /r" is used to loop files recursively. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "find . -type f -exec command {} \;". Runs a command for each matching file under a tree. This reference is grouped under Terminal & Shell Scripting → Loops.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows for /r maps to find . -type f -exec command {} \; for this task. Treat this as a workflow mapping rather than a character-for-character syntax translation.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux command-line basics.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Loop files recursively
Runs a command for each matching file under a tree.
find . -type f -exec command {} \;
Loop files recursively
find --help
Show command help when supported
man find
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
find . -type f -exec command {} \;
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: for /r
find . -type f -exec command {} \;Reference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
find . -type f -exec command {} \; | Loop files recursively |
find --help | Show command help when supported |
man find | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "find . -type f -exec command {} \;" for this mapping. The command syntax shown here is portable across the three rows, although installed versions and system defaults can still vary.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | find . -type f -exec command {} \; |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | find . -type f -exec command {} \; |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | find . -type f -exec command {} \; |
Same command on this distribution. |
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