Variables

Lesson in the Linux Roadmap · Stage 14: Shell Programming

Last updated 14 September 2026

What is Variables?

Shell variables store system or user-defined data that can change during script execution. Two categories exist: System Variables (PATH, HOME, PWD) created by Linux, and User-Defined Variables created by users. Define variables with = operator and retrieve values with $ prefix. Example: MY_VARIABLE="Hello World" then echo $MY_VARIABLE prints the value.

Study this in the interactive course See the whole Linux roadmap

Free resources to learn Variables

ArticleLearning The Shell
ArticleHow to Use Variables in Bash Shell Scripts
ArticleHow To Read and Set Environmental and Shell Variables

Variables: common questions

Can I learn 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 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 Variables tutorial for beginners?

It is lesson 88 of 102 in the free Linux roadmap, in stage 14, Shell Programming. 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.