.bash_profile and .bashrc file frustrations

DeanB · 09-15-2003, 07:18 PM

I have added the programs I want to execute at login, to the .bash_profile, but they aren't starting automatically when the user logs in.

Am I missing something?

Thanks,
Dean

g00$e · 09-15-2003, 07:31 PM

Just out curiousity do you want these programs to start when the user begins an X session or when they log in from the terminal?

quatsch · 09-15-2003, 07:50 PM

apart from gOO$e's question which is quite pertinent, I usually put stuff in .bashrc and not in .bash_profile. works for me. This will have things start every time you start a konsole, for instance. If you don't want this, you'll have to place the things elsewhere.

DeanB · 09-15-2003, 08:27 PM

All of the users will log in via the console for now.

So, if that is the case, then it sounds like everything should go in the .bashrc file, correct?

quatsch · 09-15-2003, 08:43 PM

sounds right. For the long term, it might be simpler to have a script that actually calls all the programs you want. From the .bashrc you'd simply call the script - one line. This way, you won't have to edit the .bashrc files of each user whenever you want to change things. Just edit the script. I am assuming that you want to start the same programs for all users.

g00$e · 09-15-2003, 08:46 PM

I believe the difference between .bash_profile and .bash_rc is that one (.bash_profile) is read when using a log-in shell and the other (.bash_rc) is used when bash is invoked.

As far as the syntax check out the Advanced Bash Scripting Guide if you are having problems getting things to execute.