How to Print Environment Variables in Linux [5 Best Methods]

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Last updated: July 26, 2023

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To print environment variables in Linux, you can try these methods:

  1. printenv: Prints all environment variables in Linux.
  2. env: Prints all environment variables, or specific variables with the VAR=value option.
  3. echo: Prints the value of a specific variable with the $VAR syntax, or all environment variables with the env option.
  4. declare: Prints all environment variables, or specific variables with the -p option.
  5. Scripting: Creates a script to print environment variables, such as #!/bin/bash; printenv.

Mastering the art of printing environment variables in Linux is critical for administrators and developers. Adopting best practices empowers efficient variable management, issue troubleshooting, and system optimization. The five best practices encompass using printenv for an overview, documenting customized variables, utilizing echo for specific values, leveraging GUI tools for user-friendly exploration, and considering external tools for advanced control.

Read the guide below to learn different methods to print environment variables in Linux and common errors that can occur and the possible solutions.

In Linux, environment variables play a crucial role in influencing how applications behave and interact with the system. Understanding how to print environment variables is essential for Linux administrators and developers alike. These variables play a pivotal role in shaping the behavior of your applications, enhancing your troubleshooting capabilities, and customizing your Linux experience. Whether you are troubleshooting issues or customizing your system, this guide will equip you with different methods to print environment variables in Linux. You will also learn the best practices to print environment variables in Linux.

How to Print Environment Variables in Linux

To print environment variables in Linux, you can utilize powerful commands like printenv, env, and echo, each offering distinct advantages for system inspection, custom environment settings, and variable display. Additionally, the declare command provides advanced control over variable properties, while scripting empowers automation for seamless customization. 

1.  printenv Command

The printenv command is a simple yet powerful tool to print environment variables in Linux. It provides a quick overview of all variables, aiding efficient system inspection and troubleshooting. Follow these steps:

  1. Open your Terminal window.
opening terminal 37
  1. To display all environment variables, type:
<strong>printenv</strong>
  1. This will provide a comprehensive list of all environment variables set in your Linux system.
printing all available environment variables using printenv
  1. If you need to print specific variables, use the -u flag followed by the variable name, like this:
<strong>printenv -u PATH</strong>
  1. This command will display the value of the PATH variable, or any other variable you specify after the -u flag.
printing specific variable using printenv

2. env Command

The env command is similar to printenv but excels in executing commands with custom environments. It allows for a more dynamic approach to setting variables while running specific commands, making it a preferred choice for developers. Here is the step-by-step guide:

  1. To display all environment variables using env, open the Terminal and type:
<strong>env</strong>
  1. This will show a list of all environment variables set in your system.
printing all available variables using env command
  1. You can also use env to run commands with custom environment settings:
<strong>env VAR=value command</strong>

Replace VAR with the variable name, value with the desired value, and command with the actual command you want to execute.

customizing environment variable
  1. By default, the script will print Hello if the GREETING environment variable is not set.
original value of variable

3. echo Command

The echo command is a built-in shell command that enables quick display of specific variables. Ideal for debugging and script development, it offers a straightforward method to view single variables at a glance. Follow these steps:

  1. To print a specific variable, use $ followed by the variable name, like this:
<strong>echo $PATH</strong>
  1. This command will display the value of the PATH variable, or any other variable you specify after the $ symbol.
printing variable using echo command

4. declare Command

The declare command offers advanced control over variable properties, making it invaluable for managing complex variables and their attributes. Here is how to do it:

  1. To display all environment variables using declare, open the Terminal and type:
<strong>declare</strong>
  1. This will show a list of all environment variables along with their attributes.
printing variables using declare command
  1. You can use various options with declare to customize variable behavior:
  • Use -p to display variable attributes, showing additional information about each variable.
  • Use -x to mark variables for export, making them available to child processes.
  • Use -g to create global variables, which are accessible across different shell sessions.

5. Scripting to Print Variables

Scripting empowers advanced users to automate variable display and manipulate output formats. Ideal for customizing variable extraction in complex scenarios. Follow these steps:

  1. Create a Bash script to display variables. For instance, a Bash script to print all variables would look like this:
<strong>#!/bin/bash</strong>
<strong>printenv</strong>
  1. Save the above script in a file with a .sh extension, such as variables.sh.
  2. To execute the script, navigate to its location in the Terminal and run the following command:
<strong>./variables.sh</strong>
  1. This will execute the script and display all environment variables in your Linux system.
printing all available variables using script file

5 Best Practices to Print Environment Variables in Linux

Printing environment variables in Linux is critical for system administrators and developers. Adopting best practices will empower you to confidently navigate the world of environment variables in Linux. Efficiently print and manage variables, troubleshoot issues, and optimize your system for peak performance. Here are five best practices to master this essential skill:

  • 🔍 Use printenv for Quick Overview: The printenv command is a go-to tool for displaying all environment variables at once. This provides a quick overview of the system’s configurations, making it easy to identify potential issues. With its simple syntax, you can use printenv directly in the Terminal without any additional parameters, allowing for rapid information retrieval. Its popularity among Linux enthusiasts stems from its efficiency in delivering comprehensive output.
  • 📝 Document Customized Variables Properly: As you customize environment variables, ensure to maintain detailed documentation. This practice is crucial for tracking changes and making future modifications effortlessly. Keep a record of the variables you create or modify, along with their purposes and potential side effects. Proper documentation not only aids in understanding your system’s behavior but also eases the process of sharing and collaborating with other team members.
  • Use echo for Specific Variables: When you need to print a specific variable’s value, echo is the ideal choice. Employ the $ symbol followed by the variable name to display its contents quickly. However, be cautious with special characters in variable values, as they may interfere with echo’s output. This method is efficient for debugging scripts and verifying the value of individual variables during development.
  • 🖥️ Leverage GUI Tools for User-Friendly Exploration: For those who prefer a graphical approach, GUI tools like the System Monitor come to the rescue. These tools provide an intuitive interface to visualize and monitor environment variables effortlessly. Navigate to the Resources or Environment tab in the System Monitor application to access the list of variables. GUI-based methods are especially useful for beginners and desktop users, enhancing their overall Linux experience.
  • 🧰 Consider External Tools for Advanced Control: While standard Linux commands are powerful, external tools like env-var or dotenv offer extended functionalities. These tools often come with advanced features such as variable manipulation, encryption, and integration with other tools. If you work with complex systems that demand granular control over environment variables, exploring these external tools can significantly boost your productivity and streamline your workflow.

Wrapping it Up

I’ve outlined various methods to print environment variables in Linux, including using commands like printenv, env, and echo, as well as declare commands and external utilities like scripting. Remember to adhere to best practices, such as documenting customized variables, employing proper syntax, and exploring external tools for advanced control.

If you want to become a proficient Linux user, consider exploring additional articles on topics such as Advanced Linux Shell Scripting, Managing Environment Variables in Containerized Environments, and Best Practices for Linux System Optimization. Embrace the journey of exploration, and with each step, you’ll unlock new possibilities in the realm of Linux administration and development.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set a new environment variable in Linux?

To set a new environment variable in Linux, you can use the export command followed by the variable name and its desired value. For instance, to create a variable named MY_VARIABLE with the value value, use the following command: export MY_VARIABLE=value. This will make the variable accessible to the current shell session and any child processes launched from it. If you want to make the variable available in every new shell session, consider adding the export command to the ~/.bashrc or ~/.bash_profile file.

Is there a limit to the number of environment variables that can be set in Linux?

Yes, there is a limit to the number of environment variables that can be set in Linux. The available system resources, including memory and processing power determine the maximum limit. While this limit is generally quite high, it is crucial to be mindful of resource usage, especially in environments with limited capabilities. Overloading the system with excessive variables can lead to performance degradation or even system instability. Therefore, it’s essential to carefully manage and optimize the number of environment variables based on the specific requirements of your Linux system.

Can I permanently print specific variables on system startup?

Absolutely! You can ensure that specific environment variables are permanently available on system startup by adding them to the ~/.bashrc or ~/.bash_profile file. These files are executed every time a new shell session starts, guaranteeing that the defined variables become readily accessible in every session. Using the export command within these files allows you to set the variables’ values, making them available to all subsequent processes initiated during system startup.

Is it possible to export environment variables across different user sessions?

Indeed, exporting environment variables across different user sessions is achievable by adding the variables to the system-wide /etc/environment file. This file holds environment variable declarations that apply to all users on the system, regardless of their individual shell sessions. By appending the desired variables to this file using the export command, you ensure that they are available universally, bridging the gap between various user sessions and offering consistent configurations throughout the system.

Is it possible to restrict certain environment variables from being inherited by child processes?

Absolutely! You can restrict specific environment variables from being inherited by child processes in Linux. This capability enhances data security and isolation, preventing sensitive information from inadvertently leaking to child processes. One way to achieve this is by using the unset command to remove specific variables from the environment before launching a new process. Additionally, when starting a new process, you can explicitly specify the variables to exclude, ensuring that only necessary and non-sensitive variables are passed to the child process. By implementing these measures, you maintain finer control over the flow of data and protect your system from potential vulnerabilities.

Ojash

Author

Ojash is a skilled Linux expert and tech writer with over a decade of experience. He has extensive knowledge of Linux's file system, command-line interface, and software installations. Ojash is also an expert in shell scripting and automation, with experience in Bash, Python, and Perl. He has published numerous articles on Linux in various online publications, making him a valuable resource for both seasoned Linux users and beginners. Ojash is also an active member of the Linux community and participates in Linux forums.

Akshat

Reviewer

Akshat is a software engineer, product designer and the co-founder of Scrutify. He's an experienced Linux professional and the senior editor of this blog. He is also an open-source contributor to many projects on Github and has written several technical guides on Linux. Apart from that, he’s also actively sharing his ideas and tutorials on Medium and Attirer. As the editor of this blog, Akshat brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to provide readers with valuable insights and advice on a wide range of Linux-related topics.

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