Every experienced Linux user has been there: you install something, or move directories around, and suddenly command not found appears for tools you know are installed.

You check which , type , echo $PATH , and still waste 10-20 minutes hunting down the issue. I've done it more times than I care to admit — especially after fresh server setups or when cleaning up dotfiles.

That's why I built (and now constantly use) a Bash $PATH Debugger .

Paste your $PATH and get instant diagnosis

Here's how it works in practice:

Copy your current PATH: echo $PATH

Paste it into the tool

Get a full report + fixed version in seconds

Try it here: Bash $PATH Debugger

What the tool does

The debugger takes your raw $PATH string and analyzes every directory with these checks:

Existence : Does the directory actually exist on the filesystem?

Duplicates : Are you wasting lookup time with repeated entries?

Permissions : Are any directories missing execute permissions for your user?

Order : Shows the exact search priority…