Chapter 5. Customizing the Environment

In a default system, we get certain settings that are preconfigured. As time progresses, we often feel the need to modify some of the default settings provided. Similar needs arise when we are working in a shell to get things done, for example, modifying the environment according to the needs of the application. Some of the features are so irresistible that we may need them every time, for example, the editor of our choice used by an application. While working on an important task, it may happen that we forget a command that we used a few days ago. In such cases, we try to recall that command as soon as possible to get work done. If we can't remember, we consume time and effort searching on the Internet or in text books for the exact command and syntax.

In this chapter, we will see how, by adding or changing the existing environment variables, we can modify the environment as per our application needs. We will also see how a user can...