Path

What is PATH in Linux?

The PATH is an environment variable that tells Linux where to look for executable programs. When you type a command, Linux searches through the directories listed in PATH to find the program to execute.

Check PATH

echo $PATH

or

printenv PATH

output example:

/usr/local/sbin:/usr/local/bin:/usr/sbin:/usr/bin:/sbin:/bin

Adding a new PATH temporarily

To add a new directory to PATH for your current terminal session:

export PATH=$PATH:/your/new/path

Adding a PATH permanently

Edit your shell's configuration file:
For Bash:
```
nano ~/.bashrc
```
Add this line at the end of the file:
```
export PATH=$PATH:/your/new/path
```
Save and apply changes:
```
source ~/.bashrc
```
Validate newly appended PATH:
```
which program_name
```

Common PATH locations

/bin: Essential user commands
/usr/bin: Most user commands
/usr/local/bin: User-installed programs
/sbin: System administration commands
/usr/sbin: Additional system admin commands

Tips for Beginners

Never remove default PATH directories
Keep custom scripts in ~/bin or /usr/local/bin
Use absolute paths when adding new directories
Separate multiple paths with colons (:)