The "exec format error" in Linux usually indicates that the operating system is trying to execute a binary compiled for a different CPU architecture than the one it’s running on. For example, you might encounter this when running an ARM-compiled executable on an x86_64 system. It's also common in containerized environments like Docker, where the image’s architecture doesn’t match the host system’s.

To troubleshoot, use the file command (e.g., file ./app) to inspect the binary’s architecture. If there's a mismatch, the solution is either to download or build the binary for your system’s architecture. In the case of script files, ensure the shebang line (#!) is pointing to the correct interpreter, like /bin/bash or /usr/bin/python3. Understanding and correcting this issue helps maintain smooth deployment workflows and cross-platform compatibility. https://perimattic.com/fix-exec-format-error/