The . bash_profile file is a personal initialization file for configuring the user environment. The file is defined in your home directory and can be used for the following: Modifying your working environment by setting custom environment variables and terminal settings.

What is the bash_profile for?

bash_profile is a configuration file for bash shell, which you access with your terminal on a Mac. … When you do get around to making customizations, and you want to see them implemented right away, instead of having to logout of your terminal and open a new window you can simply type “source ~/. bash_profile”.

What is Bashrc and bash_profile?

Answer: . bash_profile is executed for login shells, while . bashrc is executed for interactive non-login shells. When you login (type username and password) via console, either sitting at the machine, or remotely via ssh: . bash_profile is executed to configure your shell before the initial command prompt.