---
title: bin
---

import VersionLabel from '@site/src/components/Docs/VersionLabel';

The `proto bin <tool> [version]` command will return an absolute path to a tool's binary within the
toolchain. When a tool has not been installed, or a version cannot be resolved, the command will
exit with a failure.

```shell
$ proto bin node 16.10.0
/Users/example/.proto/tools/node/16.10.0/bin/node
```

This command can also return directories using the `--dir` option.

```shell
$ proto bin node 16.10.0 --dir exes
/Users/example/.proto/tools/node/16.10.0/bin

$ proto bin node 16.10.0 --dir globals
/Users/example/.proto/tools/node/globals/bin
```

### Arguments

- `<tool>` - Type of tool.
- `[version]` - Version of tool. If not provided, will attempt to
  [detect the version](../detection).

### Options

- `--all` - Return multiple paths, separated by newlines, instead of the first path.
  <VersionLabel version="0.50.0" />
- `--dir <dir>` - Return a directory instead of of the main file. <VersionLabel version="0.50.0" />
  - `exes` - Returns the executable's directory.
  - `globals` - Returns the globals/packages directory.
- `--bin` - When applicable, return the `~/.proto/bin` path.
- `--shim` - When applicable, return the `~/.proto/shims` path.
