4.5. Points to note

4.5.1. Adding directories to PATH

The PATH variable stores the list of directories that will be searched to locate commands you type. If you have a command that is stored in a directory that is not on this list, you will need to add it to PATH.

You can display the current value of PATH using the echo command:

echo $PATH

Output:

/usr/local/sbin:/usr/local/bin:/usr/sbin:/usr/bin:/sbin:/bin:/usr/games:/usr/local/games:/snap/bin

To modify PATH and add a directory, you can follow the steps below. This example adds /home/user/.local/bin to PATH.

Attention

You will need to be careful while editing PATH.

You will also need to ensure that it includes $PATH in the list. Otherwise, you will not be able to access any commands!

1. Open $HOME/.bashrc in a text editor.

2. Add the following lines at the end of the file. Add the directory you wish to add separated by a colon. The list should end in $PATH.

   PATH=/home/user/.local/bin:$PATH
   export PATH
   

   Note

   If a line with PATH exists already in the file, update it instead.

3. Verify the change using echo:

   echo $PATH
   

   Output:

   /home/user/.local/bin:/usr/local/sbin:/usr/local/bin:/usr/sbin:/usr/bin:/sbin:/bin:/usr/games:/usr/local/games:/snap/bin
   

When you log in again or open a new terminal session, commands in /home/user/.local/bin will be accessible.

4.5.2. Dealing with spaces in file names

When you create a new file or directory, it is a good idea to not use spaces in the file or directory name. This is especially useful while working with these files or directories in the command-line. Instead, you can use an underscore (_) or hyphen (-) to separate words in file names.

If you do have to work with file or directory names containing spaces, you can use quotes around the file or directory name.

For example:

mkdir "Sample Data"

To change into the Sample Data directory, use:

cd "Sample Data"

Print current directory:

pwd

Output:

/home/user/Sample Data

This would have been simpler if the directory name is sample-data. You will not need to use quotes in that case.

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