# GNU find

> computer program

**Wikidata**: [Q126284634](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q126284634)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gnu-find

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **GNU find**:

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## Summary  
GNU find is a free software computer program used to search for files and directories in a filesystem. It is part of the GNU findutils package and implements the standard `find` command-line utility. Unlike proprietary alternatives, GNU find is distributed under terms that allow users to freely modify and redistribute it.

## Key Facts  
- **License**: GNU General Public License ([Q27016754](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q27016754))  
- **Part of**: GNU findutils (a suite of file search utilities)  
- **Instance of**: Computer program and free software ([class](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q341))  
- **Different from**: BSD `find` and other implementations  
- **Copyright holder**: Free Software Foundation ([Q48413](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q48413))  
- **User manual**: Available at [gnu.org](https://www.gnu.org/software/findutils/find)  
- **Man page**: `find.1` (standard Unix manual page reference)  

## FAQs  
### Q: How is GNU find different from BSD find?  
A: GNU find includes additional features and extensions not present in BSD find, such as more expressive syntax and extra options for file filtering. Both implement the same core functionality but differ in details and licensing.  

### Q: Is GNU find still actively maintained?  
A: Yes, GNU find is actively maintained as part of GNU findutils, with updates released periodically by the Free Software Foundation.  

### Q: Can GNU find be used on non-Linux systems?  
A: Yes, GNU find is portable and can run on Unix-like systems, including macOS and BSD variants, though some features may differ.  

## Why It Matters  
GNU find is a foundational tool for system administrators and developers, enabling efficient file searches across complex directory structures. Its free software license ensures users can audit, modify, and redistribute the code, aligning with the principles of the GNU Project. By providing a robust, extensible alternative to proprietary versions, GNU find reinforces the importance of software freedom in core utilities. Its continued maintenance underscores its relevance in modern computing environments.  

## Notable For  
- **Free software**: Distributed under the GNU GPL, allowing unrestricted use and modification.  
- **Extended features**: Offers more options and flexibility compared to other `find` implementations.  
- **Integration**: Part of GNU findutils, a suite of tools for file management and search.  

## Body  
### Implementation and Features  
- Implements the standard `find` command-line utility.  
- Supports advanced file filtering by name, type, size, and modification time.  
- Includes GNU-specific extensions like `-printf` for custom output formatting.  

### Licensing and Distribution  
- Licensed under the GNU General Public License ([Q27016754](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q27016754)).  
- Copyright held by the Free Software Foundation ([Q48413](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q48413)).  

### Technical Documentation  
- Official manual: [gnu.org/findutils/find](https://www.gnu.org/software/findutils/find).  
- Man page reference: `find.1`.  

### Relationship to Other Tools  
- Distinct from BSD `find` due to licensing and feature set.  
- Bundled with GNU findutils, which also includes `locate` and `xargs`.  

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