Environment Variable

A dynamic-named value that can affect the way running processes will behave on a computer.

An environment variable is a dynamically named value stored in the operating system's memory that provides configuration information to running processes, applications, and system programs. These variables consist of a name and an associated value, which programs can access to modify their behavior, configure settings, or store runtime information.

Context and Usage

Environment variables serve multiple critical purposes in computer systems and software development:

1. Configuration Management

   • Provide runtime configuration for applications

   • Store sensitive information like API keys or database credentials

   • Enable flexible software deployment across different environments

2. System and Application Behavior

   • Modify program execution paths

   • Set language and locale preferences

   • Define system-wide or user-specific settings

3. Development and Deployment

   • Support different configurations for development, testing, and production environments

   • Allow containerized applications to receive runtime parameters

   • Enable secure and flexible software deployment strategies