How to make a script executable with chmod +x - Rocketeers app [ Rocketeers ](/) [Login](https://rocketeersapp.com/login) On this page Knowledge --------- How to make a script executable with chmod +x ============================================= ### [\#CommandLine](https://rocketeersapp.com/knowledge/command-line) Fix the Permission denied error when running a shell script by adding the execute bit with chmod +x, plus the shebang line and chmod 755. Published by [Mark van Eijk](https://rocketeersapp.com/author/mark-van-eijk) on June 23, 2026 · 1 minute read 1. [Why a new script says "Permission denied"](#content-why-a-new-script-says-permission-denied) 2. [Add the execute bit with chmod +x](#content-add-the-execute-bit-with-chmod-x) 3. [Run the script](#content-run-the-script) 4. [Don't forget the shebang line](#content-dont-forget-the-shebang-line) 5. [The chmod 755 equivalent](#content-the-chmod-755-equivalent) 6. [When to use which](#content-when-to-use-which) [\#](#content-why-a-new-script-says-permission-denied "Permalink")Why a new script says "Permission denied" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You write a script, try to run it, and Linux throws this at you: ``` $ ./deploy.sh bash: ./deploy.sh: Permission denied ``` Nothing is wrong with your code. By default a freshly created file is readable and writable, but not *executable*. Linux refuses to run a file unless its execute permission bit is set, and that's exactly what's missing here. [\#](#content-add-the-execute-bit-with-chmod-x "Permalink")Add the execute bit with chmod +x -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The fix is one command. `chmod` changes a file's mode, and `+x` adds the execute permission: ``` chmod +x deploy.sh ``` That `+x` grants execute to the user, group, and others at once (limited by your umask). Now Linux is allowed to run the file. [\#](#content-run-the-script "Permalink")Run the script ------------------------------------------------------- With the bit set, run it by giving its path: ``` ./deploy.sh ``` The `./` matters. It tells the shell "the script is right here in the current directory". Without it, the shell only searches the directories in your `$PATH`, and your script almost certainly isn't in one of those. [\#](#content-dont-forget-the-shebang-line "Permalink")Don't forget the shebang line ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The execute bit lets Linux *run* the file, but the file also needs to say *which interpreter* runs it. That's the job of the shebang, the very first line: ``` #!/bin/bash echo "Deploying..." ``` `#!/bin/bash` tells the kernel to feed this file to Bash. For a more portable script you might use `#!/usr/bin/env bash`, which finds Bash via the `PATH`. Without a shebang, the script may run under whatever shell you happen to be in, which can bite you with subtle syntax differences. [\#](#content-the-chmod-755-equivalent "Permalink")The chmod 755 equivalent --------------------------------------------------------------------------- You'll often see numeric permissions instead of the `+x` shorthand: ``` chmod 755 deploy.sh ``` This sets read, write, and execute for the owner (`7`), and read plus execute for the group and everyone else (`5` and `5`). For most scripts `755` is the sensible default. If a script holds secrets and only you should run it, use `700` instead so the group and others get nothing. [\#](#content-when-to-use-which "Permalink")When to use which ------------------------------------------------------------- For a quick "just let me run this", `chmod +x` is all you need. When you want exact, predictable permissions, reach for the numeric form like `755`. If you want to really understand what those numbers mean and how owner, group, and other fit together, read my deeper guide on [changing file permissions with chmod](/change-file-permissions-chmod-linux). ### Subscribe to our newsletter Do you want to receive regular updates with fresh and exclusive content to learn more about web development, hosting, security and performance? Subscribe now! 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