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Command Line Variables
In this hands-on lab, we're going to practice setting and using variables in Bash. Variables are an important part of the command line, as well as writing shell scripts. Becoming familiar and comfortable with environment variables is an important step in using Linux.

Lab Info
Table of Contents
-
Challenge
Examine the Current `$PATH` Variable
- List the current environment variables, and locate the
$PATH
variable.
env
- Examine the
$PATH
variable.
echo $PATH
- List the current environment variables, and locate the
-
Challenge
Append the Path to the `scripts` Directory to the $PATH Variable
- Since the path to our
scripts
directory is missing, we need to append it to the$PATH
variable. We can do so with the following command:
PATH=$PATH:$HOME/scripts/
- We should now be able to run the script without specifying the path to it.
- Since the path to our
-
Challenge
Make the New `$PATH` Persist
- If we log out, we'll lose our ability to run the script without specifying the path. So we need to make our change permanent. We can do so on this Ubuntu 16.04 system by modifying the
~/.profile
file.
echo 'PATH="$PATH:$HOME/scripts"' >> ~/.profile
- If we log out, we'll lose our ability to run the script without specifying the path. So we need to make our change permanent. We can do so on this Ubuntu 16.04 system by modifying the
About the author
Real skill practice before real-world application
Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.
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