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export

shell builtinLinux/Unix
The export command is one of the most frequently used commands in Linux/Unix-like operating systems. export Set environment variables for child processes
See ExamplesView Syntax

Quick Reference

Command Name:

export

Category:

shell builtin

Platform:

Linux/Unix

Basic Usage:

export [options] [arguments]

Common Use Cases

  • 1

    Environment configuration

    Make variables available to all child processes

  • 2

    Program configuration

    Set up environment variables to control program behavior

  • 3

    Development setup

    Configure development environments with appropriate variables

  • 4

    Path management

    Modify PATH and other search path variables for command lookup

Syntax

export [-fn] [name[=value] ...] or export -p

Options

Option Description
-f Names refer to functions rather than variables
-n Remove the export property from each name
-p Display a list of all exported variables and functions

Examples

How to Use These Examples

The examples below show common ways to use the export command. Try them in your terminal to see the results. You can copy any example by clicking on the code block.

# Basic Examples Basic
export PATH=$PATH:/new/directory
Add a directory to the PATH environment variable.
export EDITOR=vim
Set the default editor to vim.
# Advanced Examples Advanced
export -p Display all exported variables and functions. export -n VARIABLE Remove a variable from the export list. export MYVAR="My Value" MYVAR2="Value 2" Export multiple variables at once. export $(grep -v '^#' .env | xargs) Export variables from a .env file.

Try It Yourself

Practice makes perfect! The best way to learn is by trying these examples on your own system with real files.

Understanding Syntax

Pay attention to the syntax coloring: commands, options, and file paths are highlighted differently.

Notes

The export command is a shell built-in that marks environment variables to be passed to child processes. Without export, variables created in a shell are local to that shell and won't be available to programs or scripts that the shell executes. Environment variables are crucial for configuring the behavior of many programs and the shell itself. Common examples include: - PATH: Defines where the shell looks for executable programs - HOME: Specifies the user's home directory - USER: Contains the username of the current user - LANG: Sets the default language and locale When you export a variable, all processes spawned from that shell inherit that variable. This allows you to set configuration options that affect multiple programs without having to specify them each time you run a command. Exported variables remain available only for the duration of the current shell session. To make environment variables permanent, they need to be added to shell initialization files like ~/.bashrc, ~/.profile, or ~/.bash_profile. The export command can also be used with the -p option to list all currently exported variables, which is useful for debugging environment issues.

Tips & Tricks

1

Variables set with export are only available for the duration of the current shell session

2

Add exports to ~/.bashrc or ~/.profile for persistent environment variables

3

Use export -p to see all exported variables

4

Use export -n VARIABLE to unexport a variable without unsetting it

5

When extending PATH, use export PATH=$PATH:/new/path to append or export PATH=/new/path:$PATH to prepend

Common Use Cases

Environment configuration

Make variables available to all child processes

Program configuration

Set up environment variables to control program behavior

Development setup

Configure development environments with appropriate variables

Path management

Modify PATH and other search path variables for command lookup

Shell customization

Set persistent variables for shell behavior and appearance

Related Commands

These commands are frequently used alongside export or serve similar purposes:

env
printenv
set
unset
declare
bash
source
echo
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Use Cases

1

Environment configuration

Make variables available to all child processes

2

Program configuration

Set up environment variables to control program behavior

3

Development setup

Configure development environments with appropriate variables

4

Path management

Modify PATH and other search path variables for command lookup

5

Shell customization

Set persistent variables for shell behavior and appearance

Learn By Doing

The best way to learn Linux commands is by practicing. Try out these examples in your terminal to build muscle memory and understand how the export command works in different scenarios.

See ExamplesTry Lab Exercises
$ export
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