# Updating the PATH Variable in the Shell

## **Introduction**

The `PATH` environment variable is a critical component in Unix-like operating systems, including Linux and macOS. It helps the shell identify where to find executable files when commands are entered. Updating the `PATH` variable allows users to run software from any directory without specifying the full path to its executable.

## **Example: Adding the Flutter SDK to the** `PATH`

Consider you have installed the Flutter SDK to `~/Documents/development/flutter`. To use the Flutter commands from anywhere in your terminal, you need to add the Flutter SDK's `bin` directory to your `PATH`.

For Bash users, edit `~/.bashrc`.

For Zsh users, edit `~/.zshrc`.

Add the following line at the end of your configuration file:

```swift
export PATH="$PATH:$HOME/Documents/development/flutter/bin"
```

Apply the changes

```swift
source ~/.bashrc  # If using Bash
source ~/.zshrc   # If using Zsh
```

Verify the Update

```swift
echo $PATH
```