Hello,

I'm trying to add my bin directory to my path by editing the .bash_profile. I'm adding the following:

PATH=$HOME/bin

But then when I type in "echo $PATH" my bin directory is not added. Do I need to do something to make this take affect or am I going about this wrong.

Thanks!

After editing your path, you need to export it.
export PATH

Are you exporting the variable? If not, use

export PATH

Isn't there a way to make the change take affect immediatley in the Bash Shell like the "source" command under the C Shell environment.

Thanks!

Do the following until you logout ...
. .bash_profile

I hope that's right, otherwise, logout and log back in.

Uh Oh, I've really done it this time. That Path statement is supposed to read: PATH=$PATH:$HOME/bin. I left out the $PATH portion. What that means is, my home directoy cannot locate any of the commands, including VI to edit the .bash_profile.

I do not have root access on this box, but I do have access to another home directory.

So, is it possible to login from that directory and edit the .bash_profile?

Type:
/usr/bin/vi .bash_profile
to edit the file while your path is screwed up. This assumes that vi is in /usr/bin. You can use that other account to locate it if needed.

Thanks, that worked.

OK, I'm back to normal, but still baffled by an original problem I had. I'm trying to run a script out of my /home/atama/bin directory. When I type the scripts name (test) from home/atama, I get nothing. But when I type ./bin/test the script runs. /home/atama/bin is in my path so why the heck isn't this working?

The file is executable.

Here's a snap shot of "echo $PATH":

/usr/bin:/bin:/usr/local/bin:/sbin:/usr/sbin:/usr/local/bin:/usr/spectro:.:/home/atama/bin

Does anyone know what's going on here?

Use this command:
type test
and you will find that bash has a built-in command called test. You should call your program something else.

Thanks!