Fix 'Export' Error: Step-by-Step Guide to Solve Not Recognized as Internal or External Command, Operable Program or Batch File Issue

If you're a developer, you might have encountered the "not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file" error when trying to use the export command on Windows. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step solution to fix this issue so you can continue with your development tasks.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to the 'Export' Error
2. Step-by-Step Guide to Fix the Error
3. Check your Environment Variables
4. Use 'setx' Command in Windows
5. Use 'env' Command in Git Bash
6. FAQ
7. Related Resources

Introduction to the 'Export' Error

The 'export' command is commonly used in Unix-based systems to set environment variables, and it's not natively supported in the Windows Command Prompt. The error message appears when you try to use the 'export' command in the Command Prompt or PowerShell on a Windows machine.

To fix this issue, you can follow the steps mentioned below:

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix the Error

Check your Environment Variables

Before you start fixing the error, it's essential to ensure that your environment variables are set correctly. You can check your environment variables by following these steps:

1. Press Win + X and select 'System'.
2. Click on 'Advanced system settings'.
3. Click on the 'Environment Variables' button.
4. Look for the specific variable that you want to set in the 'System variables' list.

If the variable is not available, you can add it by clicking the 'New' button and providing the necessary information.

Use 'setx' Command in Windows

To set environment variables in Windows, you can use the setx command instead of the export command. The syntax is as follows:

setx VARIABLE_NAME "VARIABLE_VALUE"

For example, if you want to set the JAVA_HOME variable, you can use the following command:

setx JAVA_HOME "C:\Program Files\Java\jdk1.8.0_291"

Note that the changes made using setx will only take effect in new command prompt instances, not in the current session.

Use 'env' Command in Git Bash

If you're using Git Bash as your terminal, you can use the env command to set the environment variables similar to how it's done in Unix-based systems. The syntax is as follows:

export VARIABLE_NAME=VARIABLE_VALUE

For example, if you want to set the JAVA_HOME variable, you can use the following command:

export JAVA_HOME="/c/Program Files/Java/jdk1.8.0_291"

FAQ

1. Why does the 'export' command not work in Windows?

The 'export' command is not natively supported in the Windows Command Prompt or PowerShell because it's a Unix-based command. To set environment variables in Windows, you can use the setx command.

2. How can I set environment variables permanently in Windows?

You can set environment variables permanently in Windows by editing the 'System variables' in the 'Environment Variables' settings or by using the setx command.

3. How can I check the value of an environment variable in Windows?

You can check the value of an environment variable in Windows by using the echo command followed by the variable name, like this: echo %VARIABLE_NAME%.

4. Why are my changes to environment variables not taking effect in the current command prompt session?

Changes made using the setx command will only take effect in new command prompt instances. To apply the changes in the current session, you can use the set command followed by the variable name and value, like this: set VARIABLE_NAME=VARIABLE_VALUE.

5. Can I use the 'export' command in Git Bash on Windows?

Yes, Git Bash supports the 'export' command to set environment variables similar to how it's done in Unix-based systems.

Related Resources

• Git Bash for Windows
• Microsoft Documentation: Setx Command
• Microsoft Documentation: Environment Variables