environment variables

Using Environment Variables

Using Environment Variables

This page is assuming you use bash or another shell in the Bourne family of shells. Most of the informtation will be correct for other shells as well, but the examples cannot be assumed to be.

HPC2N recommends using bash, since it is the only shell that is fully supported by the batch system.

Environment variables are a set of dynamic named values, generally meant to make your life easier. Some are built-in, some are set by loading various modules, and you can also define extra to help yourself.

Environment Variables

Environment Variables

There are many environment variables. Some will be set automatically at login and some which you can change if needed. Many of the environment variables will be related to paths and storage locations, but there are also some which are set for specific applications (like compilers). These environment variables willl be set when you load the 'module' for the application in question. (Read more about modules in the section about them.)

Updated: 2024-03-19, 10:33