Can't set root env variables in script?

voyciz · 09-23-2009, 08:45 AM

Anyone know why I wouldn't be able to run a script as root that uses export commands to set up environment variables? Running Slackware64 13.0. This is really annoying because if I run /etc/profile.d/32dev.sh as root, nothing happens to root's environment. I can type the commands out at the prompt and that's all good, but it would be much more convenient to use a script. Thanks guys.

tux_dude · 09-23-2009, 09:01 AM

You will need to use

Code:

. /etc/profile.d/32dev.sh

Without the '.' the script will run in a sub-shell. All the environment variables are lost once the sub-shell closes.

voyciz · 09-23-2009, 03:36 PM

Thank you! Simple enough. You know, I noticed that dot in Alien Bob's wiki and thought that it was irrelevant. Makes much more sense now.

Woodsman · 09-23-2009, 07:44 PM

Quote:

if I run /etc/profile.d/32dev.sh as root, nothing happens to root's environment.

Running the script will only use the variables inside the 32dev.sh script. To export the varibles into the parent environment you have to source the 32dev.sh script.