What is a .BASHRC file?
The .BASHRC file is a special kind of file that helps set up the Bash shell environment on Linux and Mac OS X computers. When you use the terminal application on these operating systems, the .BASHRC file contains instructions that tell the shell how to behave. This includes setting up environment variables, which are like settings that tell your computer where to find certain files or programs, and running default scripts, which are sets of commands that are executed automatically.
For example, if you have a favorite command prompt look or need to set paths to find your programs easily, the .BASHRC file is where you would define these preferences. It's like setting up your workspace in a way that suits you best every time you start a new shell session, which is a way to interact with your computer's operating system through commands.
To open or edit a .BASHRC file, you can use programs that come with your operating system like GNU Bash or Apple Terminal. These are included by default. Another option is to use a text editor like MacroMates TextMate, which is available for Mac OS X. Since the .BASHRC file is a plain text file, any text editor can technically open it, but using one that understands the syntax of Bash scripts can be more helpful.
It's important to know that .BASHRC files are run automatically every time a new non-interactive shell is created. This means they are executed in the background for every Bash command that runs after the terminal is opened, helping to ensure your settings are consistent across your shell sessions. This is different from .BASH_PROFILE files, which are used for interactive login shells, like when you log into your computer or open a new terminal window and need to enter your login information.
One thing to remember is that .BASHRC files are usually hidden and located in your home directory with the filename ".bashrc". They don't have a name before the dot, which is common for configuration files in Unix-like operating systems.
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