The PATH environment variable is a special variable that contains a list of directories that the system

searches when looking for a command to execute12. The purpose of the PATH variable is to make it

easier and faster for users to run commands without having to type the full path to the executable

file. For example, if you want to run the ls command, which is located in the /bin directory, you don’t

have to type /bin/ls every time. You can just type ls, and the system will find the executable file in the

/bin directory, which is one of the directories in the PATH variable. The PATH variable can be viewed

with the echo command12:

$ echo $PATH

The PATH variable can also be modified by adding or removing directories, either temporarily or

permanently, depending on the user’s needs12. For example, if you have a custom script or program

in your home directory, and you want to run it from anywhere, you can add your home directory to

the PATH variable with the export command12:

$ export PATH=$PATH:~/myprogram

This will append your home directory to the end of the PATH variable, and the system will search it

last when looking for a command. To make this change permanent, you need to edit a configuration

file, such as ~/.bashrc or ~/.profile, and add the export command there12.

Reference:

How To View and Update the Linux PATH Environment Variable | DigitalOcean

Linux path environment variable - Linux command line - LinuxConfig.org