export

shell builtin to mark variables for child processes

TLDR

Set an environment variable

$ export [VARIABLE]=[value]

Unset an environment variable

$ export -n [VARIABLE]

Export a function to child processes

$ export -f [FUNCTION_NAME]

Append a pathname to PATH

$ export PATH=$PATH:[path/to/append]

Print list of exported variables

$ export -p

SYNOPSIS

export [options] [name[=value]]

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.