Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIn Bash, use export NAME=value to set a variable and make it available in the environment of commands you run afterward. For example, export API_TOKEN='example-value'. If the variable is already set, run export API_TOKEN instead. This affects commands launched from that Bash shell; it does not make the value permanent or change unrelated sessions.
What does export do?
export is a Bash builtin: a command implemented by the shell itself. The GNU Bash Reference Manual describes its purpose as: “Mark each name to be passed to subsequently executed commands in the environment.” In practice, Bash passes exported names and their values to child commands it executes. A child program can read those environment entries.
A terminal emulator provides a place to interact with a shell; it is not itself the shell. The examples and options below describe Bash. Other shells may have different syntax or behavior.
Bash also receives environment entries when it starts and automatically marks those names for export. When an exported variable changes, Bash passes the updated value to subsequently executed commands. See the Bash manual section on the environment and its Bourne shell builtins reference.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Set and export a variable
Use either form, depending on whether you are assigning the value now or exporting a variable that already exists:
# Set the value and export it in one operation
export EDITOR='vim'
# Or assign first, then export
EDITOR='vim'
export EDITORAfter the export, commands launched from that Bash shell receive EDITOR in their environment. Use a placeholder or non-sensitive example value when practicing; environment variables are not a secure place to expose credentials to processes that can inspect them.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
List or stop exporting variables
In Bash, export -p displays the names marked for export, in a form that can be reused as shell input. Running export with no names also displays exported names.
export -pTo keep a variable in the current shell but stop passing it to subsequently executed commands, use export -n:
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
export -n EDITORThis removes the export attribute; it does not delete the variable. To remove the variable itself from the shell, use Bash’s separate unset EDITOR command.
Provide a variable to just one command
If a value is needed for only one command invocation, put the assignment immediately before the command instead of exporting it in the current shell:
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
EDITOR='vim' some-command| Pattern | Scope |
|---|---|
export EDITOR='vim' |
Marks the variable for subsequent commands launched from this Bash shell while its export attribute remains set. |
EDITOR='vim' some-command |
Supplies the assignment to that command’s environment for its execution, rather than marking the variable for later commands. |
The Bash manual documents this command-scoped assignment behavior in its environment reference.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What export does not do
- It does not change the already-running parent process. Environment inheritance passes values from the shell to commands it executes, not back from a child to its parent.
- It does not set a value for every terminal, user, or unrelated process.
- It does not make a setting permanent across future shell sessions. The documented effect is passing names to subsequently executed commands.
Bash classifies export as a POSIX special builtin, with additional special-builtin behavior in POSIX mode. That does not mean every shell supports all Bash-specific options. For Bash’s exact syntax and options, see the GNU Bash Reference Manual.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
