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Asked: 2024-09-24T20:42:12+05:30 In:

What are the steps to permanently set an environment variable in a Linux system?

I’ve been diving into Linux lately, and I’ve come across this roadblock that I really need some help with. So, here’s the thing: I want to permanently set an environment variable on my system, but I’m not entirely sure how to go about it and what the correct steps are. I’ve seen a ton of different methods online, but they all seem to contradict each other, and I can’t tell which one is the best.

I’ve tried setting it temporarily using `export MY_VAR=value`, and it works just fine for that session. But then, once I close the terminal, poof! It’s gone, and I have to set it again every time I open a new terminal. That’s a hassle, right?

I’ve read somewhere that it might be a good idea to add it to the `.bashrc` or `.bash_profile` files, but I’m nervous about messing something up in those files. You know, I don’t want to break my system or something. It’s like, what if I accidentally delete a crucial line? I’ve heard that users can also set environment variables globally in `/etc/environment`, but that seems pretty intimidating too. I wouldn’t want to do anything that could mess with other users on the system.

So, if any of you Linux wizards out there could break down the steps for me in a simple way, I would really appreciate it! How do I permanently set an environment variable so that I don’t have to keep repeating the same command? Like, what files should I edit, and do I need to log out and back in or maybe restart my machine after making changes?

Any tips, tricks, or best practices would help immensely! Honestly, I’d love to just get this figured out so I can focus on more exciting stuff without these little annoyances bogging me down. Thanks in advance for your help!

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    2 Answers



    1. Permanently Setting Environment Variables in Linux

      To permanently set an environment variable in Linux, you can indeed modify either the `.bashrc` or `.bash_profile` file in your home directory. The recommended approach is to use the `.bashrc` file, as it is executed for non-login shells, which includes most terminal sessions. To do this, you need to open a terminal and use a text editor to edit the `.bashrc` file. For example, you can use `nano` by running `nano ~/.bashrc`. Once you have the file open, scroll to the bottom and add the line `export MY_VAR=value`, replacing `MY_VAR` with your desired variable name and `value` with the desired value. Save the file (in `nano`, you can do this by pressing `CTRL + O` and then `ENTER`, followed by `CTRL + X` to exit). After saving, you can apply the changes by either running `source ~/.bashrc` or by closing and reopening the terminal.

      If you want to set the variable globally for all users, you can edit the `/etc/environment` file, which requires root permissions. To do this, run `sudo nano /etc/environment`, and add the line `MY_VAR=value` without the `export` keyword. This file is sourced by all users at login, so using this method will make the variable available system-wide. After making changes to this file, you will need to either log out and back in or restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Both methods are safe, but take care to back up any files you modify to prevent issues. By setting your environment variable this way, you’ll be free to focus on your programming projects without the annoyance of resetting it each session.




    2. How to Permanently Set an Environment Variable in Linux

      Setting Up an Environment Variable Permanently in Linux

      If you want to set an environment variable that sticks around even after you close your terminal, you’re on the right track thinking about the .bashrc or .bash_profile files. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you out:

      Method 1: Using .bashrc or .bash_profile

      1. Open your terminal.
      2. Use a text editor to open the .bashrc or .bash_profile file. For example:

        nano ~/.bashrc

        or

        nano ~/.bash_profile
      3. Scroll to the bottom of the file and add your environment variable like this:

        export MY_VAR=value
      4. Save the file and exit the editor. (In nano, you can do this by pressing CTRL + X, then Y, and Enter to confirm.)
      5. To apply the changes without restarting, run:

        source ~/.bashrc

        or

        source ~/.bash_profile

      Method 2: Using /etc/environment (More Global)

      If you want to set it for all users (be careful with this!), you can edit /etc/environment:

      1. Open the terminal and type:

        sudo nano /etc/environment
      2. Add your variable like this (no export keyword):

        MY_VAR="value"
      3. Save and exit the file.

      Note: If you edit /etc/environment, changes take effect after you log out and back in. No need to reboot!

      Best Practices

      • Always make a backup of configuration files before editing. You can use cp ~/.bashrc ~/.bashrc.bak.
      • If you’re unsure about editing, you can copy the existing line to a separate document until you feel confident.
      • Test your variable in a new terminal session to confirm it worked by running echo $MY_VAR.

      With these steps, you should be all set! Just keep your fingers crossed and don’t panic if something goes wrong—there’s usually a way to fix it. Happy coding!


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