Bourne and Bash Shell

The information in the .bashrc file can include aliases, a customize prompt, or custom variables.

Type the following command to read the .bashrc or .bash_profile file from the current command line:

$ . ~/.bashrc
$ .~/.bash_profile
Bash Shell

The bash command creates a Bash Shell process. The Bash Shell uses two user-specific environment files to set the user's environment:

  • .bashrc
  • .bash_login

Both of these files reside in the user's home directory. The .bashrc file is read every time you invoke the Bash Shell, whereas the .bash_login file is read only when you log in to the system.

Type the following command to read the .bashrc or .bash_login file from the current command line:

% source ~/.bashrc
% source ~/.bash_login