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(bashref.info)Bourne Shell Variables

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Bourne Shell Variables
======================

   Bash uses certain shell variables in the same way as the Bourne
shell.  In some cases, Bash assigns a default value to the variable.

`CDPATH'
     A colon-separated list of directories used as a search path for
     the `cd' builtin command.

`HOME'
     The current user's home directory; the default for the `cd' builtin
     command.  The value of this variable is also used by tilde
     expansion (Note: Tilde Expansion).

`IFS'
     A list of characters that separate fields; used when the shell
     splits words as part of expansion.

`MAIL'
     If this parameter is set to a filename and the `MAILPATH' variable
     is not set, Bash informs the user of the arrival of mail in the
     specified file.

`MAILPATH'
     A colon-separated list of filenames which the shell periodically
     checks for new mail.  Each list entry can specify the message that
     is printed when new mail arrives in the mail file by separating
     the file name from the message with a `?'.  When used in the text
     of the message, `$_' expands to the name of the current mail file.

`OPTARG'
     The value of the last option argument processed by the `getopts'
     builtin.

`OPTIND'
     The index of the last option argument processed by the `getopts'
     builtin.

`PATH'
     A colon-separated list of directories in which the shell looks for
     commands.

`PS1'
     The primary prompt string.  The default value is `\s-\v\$ '.
     Note: Printing a Prompt, for the complete list of escape
     sequences that are expanded before `PS1' is displayed.

`PS2'
     The secondary prompt string.  The default value is `> '.