I've just successfully installed a library called CLHEP. However, there doesn't seem to be any sort of executible file and I became very confused. How does one open a library on the linux terminal?

Thank you.

A library can not be run on its own. A library contains functions which are then called by an application. An example is gtk+ ( e.g. libgtk-*.so ). It is a library containig all the functions required to create, draw and use widgets - but to use them you have to write an application. So gtk+ applications use the function-library gtk+.

If you want to know on which libraries an app depends try

> ldd path/app

I hope this helps and sorry if I misunderstood your question.

Your response has been very educational, thank you for explaining how libraries work.