Shell
export
Set environment variables so they are available to child processes.
Synopsis
syntax
export [OPTION]... [NAME[=VALUE]]...
Examples
Add to PATH
export PATH=$PATH:/usr/local/go/bin
Set environment variable
export NODE_ENV=production
List all exported variables
export -p
Unexport a variable
export -n MY_VAR
Common options
| Flag | Description |
|---|---|
| -n | Remove export property from variable |
| -p | Display all exported variables |
| -f | Export shell functions |
About export
The `export` command set environment variables so they are available to child processes. Shell commands configure your interactive environment — variables, aliases, history, and shell options.
The shell is your primary interface with Linux, and customizing it improves productivity. These commands work across bash, zsh, and other POSIX-compatible shells with minor differences.
The command accepts 3 commonly used flags shown above, though the full set of options is available in the man page (`man export`). The 4 examples on this page cover typical real-world usage patterns that you can copy and adapt for your own workflows.
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