Environment Variables

Lesson in the Linux Roadmap · Stage 3: Shell and Other Basics

Last updated 14 September 2026

What is Environment Variables?

Environment variables are dynamic named values that can affect the behavior of running processes in a shell. They exist in every shell session. A shell session's environment includes, but is not limited to, the user's home directory, command search path, terminal type, and program preferences.

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Free resources to learn Environment Variables

Environment Variables: common questions

Can I learn Environment Variables in Hindi?

This lesson is written in English. Once you sign in, open it in the interactive course and ask the AI tutor to explain Environment Variables in Hindi or Hinglish. The tutor answers from this lesson’s own text, so it stays on the syllabus, and it runs on your own Google, OpenAI or Anthropic key.

Is this Environment Variables tutorial for beginners?

It is lesson 11 of 102 in the free Linux roadmap, in stage 3, Shell and Other Basics. If you are new to Linux, start from stage 1 and come back here in order; if you already know the earlier stages, this lesson stands on its own.