libexec

libexec is a directory commonly found on Unix-like operating systems. Its primary purpose is to store executable programs that are primarily intended for use by other programs, rather than for direct execution by a user. These executables are often referred to as "helper programs" or "internal utilities".

The libexec directory is typically located within the /usr/local or /usr/share hierarchy, although its exact placement can vary depending on the operating system distribution and its packaging conventions. This separation helps to keep the main /usr/bin directory clean and organized, containing only those executables that users are expected to invoke directly from the command line.

Programs placed in libexec are often not in the system's default PATH environment variable, meaning users cannot simply type their names to run them. Instead, other programs or scripts are designed to locate and execute these libexec binaries as needed. This encapsulation ensures that these helper programs are not accidentally invoked by users and allows for easier management and updating of system components.

The specific contents of libexec can differ significantly between systems. It might contain binaries for tools like autoconf, automake, or various components of larger software suites. The convention of using libexec promotes modularity and avoids polluting the user-facing executable directories with internal implementation details.