A method of data processing in a data processing system includes an operating system shell receiving a command identifying a target executable. In response to receiving the command, the operating system shell determines whether or not a directory re-order option is set. In response to determining that the directory re-order option is set, the operating system shell locates the target executable by searching one or more file system directories for the target binary executable in accordance with an order indicated by a set of dynamic weights associated with directories among said one or more file system directories. The set of dynamic weights is then updated based upon the determined location of the target executable in the file system.