What are Environment Variables, and how do I use them? (get,set)

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What are Environment Variables, and how do I use them? (get,set) // It's amazing how many new programmers don't understand environment variables, which is tragic because they can save you so much time and it's one of those topics that programmer really needs to understand. This video will show you how to get and set environment variables in your programs.



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Welcome! I post videos that help you learn to program and become a more confident software developer. I cover beginner-to-advanced systems topics ranging from network programming, threads, processes, operating systems, embedded systems and others. My goal is to help you get under-the-hood and better understand how computers work and how you can use them to become stronger students and more capable professional developers.

About me: I'm a computer scientist, electrical engineer, researcher, and teacher. I specialize in embedded systems, mobile computing, sensor networks, and the Internet of Things. I teach systems and networking courses at Clemson University, where I also lead the PERSIST research lab.

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[aufkeinsten]

Holy, I'm a 1st year programming student and you wouldn't believe how hard it was to find a comprehensive, basic guide to Environment variables. Thanks for sharing!

[neerajkale]

I wasn't aware of char **envp for almost 8 years now, until I saw this video. Actually there is always something new I learn in every video of this channel.

[noideaofhowcallme]

Finally a very good explanation of WHAT Environment Variables are! Thank you!

[michaelbelfast]

You are very good at explaining - a skill/gift not every teacher has. Excellent! Thanks.

[anonymous-dsmc]

So, they are just variables containing basic system info that any program can access?

[marcioandreyoliveira]

On MS Windows, open the command prompt "cmd" and type set then press the ENTER key and you will see all the environment variables.

[scottspa]

It was 4 steps to get to environment on windows, but to be fair, you can open CMD and type 'set' to see all variables, or even just 'path' to see just the path. I'm sure you know that, as you clearly have way more knowledge about this than I do, probably just taking a shot at MS, which I don't blame you for at all. Definitely subbing to your channel. I just began CIS 125 at school, and it's all about command line and VMware, and I have no idea lol. My only experience with it is a little with ADB and fastboot in the Android SDK years ago. Can't wait for more vids.

[tymothylim]

Thank you for the video Jacob! It was simple and easy to understand. This helps me to understand the purpose of environment variables better!

[igormicovic]

Bro I knew about env variables for 2-3 years now, but only now is that I learned how they really work. I would really love your video on how they can be useful tho :P :D

[miserablebrian]

Literally found my way to this video because I found the Environment Variable button while just clicking through system buttons for the heck of it (not changing anything anywhere obviously) and I literally still have absolutely 0 clue what these things are. What is a variable? What is an Environment Variable? I feel like you just showed how to do a bunch of stuff but never said what an Environment Variable actually is.

[flippert]

Opening a "CMD" window on Windows and typing "set" also gives you the environment, so not that many clicks involved. But in general I agree that Windows tries to hide the internal stuff from the user.

[imaneelmohalil]

Thank you so much!! I looked everywhere for a good and clear explanation and yours was the best one around. You rock!

[beepbeepimasheepbeepbee]

Whenever I change variables, it feels like: "Jimmy, don't."

[mikeab]

to see your environment variables in Windows is so simple. just type set in the command prompt and hit enter.

[TheSamuelBauter]

Thanks man this was really helpful! Esp. The PATH variable explanation.

[prashantsingh]

Your short videos are extremely helpful . Thank You !!!

[Power_On_Technology]

you can see your env variables also by typing >set into cmd

[peterhayman]

press windows button -> type "env" -> press enter

[taranagnew]

do i use a enviroment for a app (on table) that can be as a second screen via wifi (address)?

[HominisLupis]

Jacob, you're the man. That's it. That's the comment.