what does export do?

[Paul Howarth]

Rick wrote:
> linux user wrote:
> >>>> .bashrc example:
>>>>
>>>> LD_LIBRARY_PATH=$LD_LIBRARY_PATH:home/linux/lib
>>>>
>>>> After adding the above line to the .bashrc file, the load 
>>>
>>>
>>> library path will be the same for every terminal and doesn't have to 
>>> be set each time a new terminal is opened.
>>>
>>>> If you want this path to be available to any terminal that is 
>>>
>>>
>>> open you will have to "source .bashrc" at the command prompt.  
>>> Otherwise, just close all active terminals and open new ones.
>>>
>>>>
>>> Errm don't you need to export that ie;
>>> LD_LIBRARY_PATH=$LD_LIBRARY_PATH:home/linux/lib
>>> export LD_LIBRARY_PATH
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> No.  Not in the .bashrc file.
>>
> I tried this both it /etc/bashrc and ~/.bashrc, it doesn't work without 
> exporting it.

It'll be working for linux user because in the example shown, the 
variable LD_LIBRARY_PATH will already be in the environment and hence 
already exported.

Paul.