Linux Shell Scripting Tutorial (LSST) v1.05r3
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Chapter 2: Getting started with Shell Programming
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Variables in Shell

To process our data/information, data must be kept in computers RAM memory. RAM memory is divided into small locations, and each location had unique number called memory location/address, which is used to hold our data. Programmer can give a unique name to this memory location/address called memory variable or variable (Its a named storage location that may take different values, but only one at a time).

In Linux (Shell), there are two types of variable:
(1) System variables - Created and maintained by Linux itself. This type of variable defined in CAPITAL LETTERS.
(2) User defined variables (UDV) - Created and maintained by user. This type of variable defined in lower letters.

You can see system variables by giving command like $ set, some of the important System variables are:

System Variable
Meaning
BASH=/bin/bashOur shell name
BASH_VERSION=1.14.7(1)Our shell version name
COLUMNS=80No. of columns for our screen
HOME=/home/vivekOur home directory
LINES=25No. of columns for our screen
LOGNAME=studentsstudents Our logging name
OSTYPE=LinuxOur Os type
PATH=/usr/bin:/sbin:/bin:/usr/sbinOur path settings
PS1=[\u@\h \W]\$Our prompt settings
PWD=/home/students/CommonOur current working directory
SHELL=/bin/bashOur shell name
USERNAME=vivekUser name who is currently login to this PC

NOTE that Some of the above settings can be different in your PC/Linux environment. You can print any of the above variables contains as follows:
$ echo $USERNAME
$ echo $HOME

Exercise:
1) If you want to print your home directory location then you give command:
a)$ echo $HOME

OR

(b)$ echo HOME

Which of the above command is correct & why? Click here for answer.

Caution: Do not modify System variable this can some time create problems.


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How to define User defined variables (UDV)