bashrc problem on redhat linux

Question

I am trying to add JAVA_HOME and an updated PATH to my .bashrc file on Redhat Enterprise Linux.

My .bashrc file has only these two lines, but I get the error " : command not found "

#user specific environment and startup programs
export JAVA_PATH=/path/to/JDK
export PATH=$PATH:/path/to/JDK/bin

I'm not sure what this command not found thing is all about, I'm not even issuing a command. Is : a command?

Are you sure .profile isn't being used instead? – Jeremy L Dec 28 '09 at 21:59 — Jeremy L, Dec 28 '09 at 21:59

score 3 · Answer 1 · answered Dec 28 '09 at 20:14

Yes, ':' is a valid command in bash, so that error message indicates that for some reason the shell is finding that as a command to execute in the .bashrc shell script. Try a few things:

'cat -tve .bashrc' to see if it has any hidden special characters that are messing things up.
'bash -x .bashrc' to see if executing your .bashrc directly causes problems.
Place a 'echo $PATH' in the .bashrc before those two export commands, and see what your path is set to beforehand.

I suspect one of a the following possibilities:

weird control characters causing unexpected issues
.bashrc getting executed by a different shell (like /bin/sh)
$PATH containing odd characters or values before this .bashrc runs

I believe the three troubleshooting ideas I've outlined should help you narrow that down.

some double-quotes around the stuff after the = wouldn't hurt and might avoid problem #3... — freiheit, Dec 28 '09 at 20:31
I'd really like to hear what the ultimate problem turned out to be in this case. — Phil Hollenback, Dec 30 '09 at 20:19

score 1 · Answer 2 · edited Apr 25 '12 at 16:41

1

Check if the .bashrc file contains any unnecessary spaces, tabs and newlines.

cat -tve .bashrc

worked for me.

edited Apr 25 '12 at 16:41

Skalli

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answered Apr 24 '12 at 18:59

Mushtaque S Shaikh

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score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Dec 28 '09 at 20:12

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Try this as a example - might help

export JAVA_HOME=/usr/java/jdk1.5.0_11

export PATH=$PATH:$JAVA_HOME/bin

Also read this if you do not understand: Redhat Documentation

answered Dec 28 '09 at 20:12

Riaan

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score 0 · Answer 4 · edited Dec 28 '09 at 21:06

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od -c will also show you the file in all its glory in case of hidden characters.

But, put quotes around the value in VAR="" and you should be fine.

edited Dec 28 '09 at 21:06

Dennis Williamson

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answered Dec 28 '09 at 20:37

Alex

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score 0 · Answer 5 · answered Dec 28 '09 at 21:16

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Another possibility is that prior to those lines $PATH has a space somewhere in it. It would be a good idea to remove that if it's there. But quoting your assignment as others have suggested is a good idea and may help if this is the case.

answered Dec 28 '09 at 21:16

Dennis Williamson

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bashrc problem on redhat linux

5 Answers5