Quick Answer: What Is Use of Source Command in Linux?
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The source command reads and executes commands from the file specified as its argument in the current shell environment. It is useful to load functions, variables, and configuration files into shell scripts. source is a shell built-in in Bash and other popular shells used in Linux and UNIX operating systems.

Where is source command in Linux?

Source to update your current shell environment (.

It is defined on a per-user basis and it is located in your home directory. Let’s say for example that you want to add a new alias to your shell environment. Open your . bashrc file and a new entry to it.

What does it mean to source a file in Linux?

When a file is sourced (by typing either source filename or . filename at the command line), the lines of code in the file are executed as if they were printed at the command line. This is particularly useful with complex prompts, to allow them to be stored in files and called up by sourcing the file they are in.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.

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