setting env variables globally

raven · 02-16-2003, 04:23 PM

hi

when setting an env.var in a shell (using "export") then it is used in that shell, where it has been set, but in none of other shells that are opened later for example.

how could i set this variable, so that it will ALWAYS be used by every shell?

thanks

raven

RolledOat · 02-16-2003, 05:05 PM

Assming you are using bash (most likely), check with
env |grep BASH_ENV

If set, then bash is being used.

For a particular user, you can edit and add the environment variables to /homedir/.bash_profile

Here is one from /root/.bash_profile

PATH=$PATH:$HOME/bin
BASH_ENV=$HOME/.bashrc
USERNAME="root"

export USERNAME BASH_ENV PATH

Systemwide, for all users, you put them in /etc/profile

They like the set, set, set, multiexport, however,
you can simply tack onto the end with format like

EXPORT COWTIPPINGDIR=/usr/bin/

RO

raven · 02-16-2003, 05:21 PM

well, that works only, as you said, when setting the var in the bashrc (yes, i am using bash)

but I need to set the variable "on the fly" and not in config files.

how do i accomplish this?

thanks

raven

RolledOat · 02-16-2003, 10:46 PM

I guess that I don't undertstand what it is that you are trying. Putting it in the config files means that it is set for all new shells started by the user. Do you mean that it can vary and is not static?

RO

raven · 02-21-2003, 06:44 AM

yes sort of. i want to set (and change) the variable anytime.

for example, in a running shell issue a command which changes some env.var, and this variable should be updated in every other shell, program, whatever.

thanks

raven

llama_meme · 02-21-2003, 07:53 AM

You can't do that, I don't think...Imagine the security implecations if a user could change the value of an environment variable in every process running on the system.

Alex

raven · 02-21-2003, 08:04 AM

well, users should not. but for root it would be nice. anyway, thanks for your help.

raven