LinuxCommandLibrary

export

shell builtin to mark variables for child processes

TLDR

Set an environment variable

$ export [VARIABLE]=[value]
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Unset an environment variable
$ export -n [VARIABLE]
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Export a function to child processes
$ export -f [FUNCTION_NAME]
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Append a pathname to PATH
$ export PATH=$PATH:[path/to/append]
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Print list of exported variables
$ export -p
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SYNOPSIS

export [options] [name[=value]]

DESCRIPTION

export marks shell variables for export to child processes. Exported variables become environment variables visible to all commands run from the shell.
When a variable is exported, it's passed to the environment of any command or script executed from that shell. This is essential for configuration like PATH, EDITOR, and application-specific settings that child processes need to inherit.
Variables set without export remain local to the current shell. The -n option removes the export attribute while keeping the variable defined. Common in shell scripts and initialization files like .bashrc and .profile.

PARAMETERS

-n

Remove export property from variable
-f
Export shell functions
-p
Print all exported variables

CAVEATS

Shell built-in command. Changes only affect current shell and its children. Variables set without export are local to the shell. Use in shell scripts and startup files.

SEE ALSO

env(1), set(1), bash(1)

> TERMINAL_GEAR

Curated for the Linux community

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> TERMINAL_GEAR

Curated for the Linux community