Generally, `/usr` is for stuff packaged by your distribution, while `/usr/local` (so, `/usr/local/bin` and so on) is for your own custom stuff. Both the `/usr`

Generally, `/usr` is for stuff packaged by your distribution, while `/usr/local` (so, `/usr/local/bin` and so on) is for your own custom stuff. Both the `/usr` and `/usr/local` equivalents will be on your $PATH by default in most distros. For stuff that isn't just a self-contained executable, consider installing it to the folder `/opt/$MY_APP` and either symlinking the main binary into `/usr/local/bin` or putting a wrapper script in there (if the thing doesn't like being symlinked outside of its primary install dir). The wrapper can be as simple as: #!/bin/sh exec /opt/my-app/bin/my-app "$@"