I want to search for a file using file extension and parts of a path name in ubuntu terminal

Question

I am working in an ubuntu terminal, remotely connected to the supercomputer at university and looking for files with the extension '.pha'.

However, the directory I am in has so much information in it, it takes over an hour to search the first folder and its sub-folders. I know my file should be located somewhere with a path name temperature*/clusters/XMMXCS*/spec/

where * is the wildcard symbol. There are lots of folders beginning with the word temperature, and lots of sub-folders called clusters and spec.

Is there any way I can get the path directory of all '.pha' files with an unclear path extension such as this?

I have tried find /temperature*/clusters/XMMXCS*/spec/ -name '*.pha' and ls temperature*/clusters/XMMXCS*/spec/ and just trying to cd into folders with the same path name, but with no luck.

Thanks!

score 0 · Answer 1 · answered Dec 12 '14 at 13:20

0

With a bit of chance, the 'super computer' run updatedb once a day (or such), then you can use

locate -ir 'temperature.*/clusters/XMMXCS.*/spec/.*\.pha$'

as far of this is cached, this is quicker than find.

answered Dec 12 '14 at 13:20

Gilles Quénot

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Thanks very much! Worked like a charm and did it in seconds! Saved me loads of hassle. – Lizi Swann Dec 12 '14 at 13:34
Maybe think of upvote/accept question if it fit your requirements – Gilles Quénot Dec 12 '14 at 13:38

I want to search for a file using file extension and parts of a path name in ubuntu terminal

1 Answers1