How to Add a Binary Folder Path to the PATH Environment Variable on macOS Using Vim

If you're a macOS user and want to add a binary folder path to your PATH environment variable, you can easily do this using the vim text editor.

Follow this step-by-step guide to streamline your workflow and access your binaries effortlessly.

1. Open Terminal

Launch Terminal from Applications > Utilities or quickly access it via Spotlight search.

2. Identify Your Shell

First, determine which shell you're using by typing:

echo $SHELL

Common shells include bash and zsh. This will help you know which configuration file to edit.

3. Edit the Configuration File

• If you're using bash (for macOS versions prior to Catalina), enter:

vim ~/.bash_profile

• If you're on zsh (default for macOS Catalina and later), type:

vim ~/.zshrc

4. Add Your Binary Path

Once in the file, press i to enter Insert mode. At the end of the file, add the following line, replacing /path/to/your/folder with your actual binary folder path:

export PATH="/path/to/your/folder:$PATH"

5. Save and Exit

Once you’ve added the line, press Esc, type :wq, and hit Enter to save your changes and exit vim.

6. Apply the Changes

To make the updates effective in your current session, run:

source ~/.bash_profile

or for zsh:

source ~/.zshrc

7. Verify the Update

Check if the path has been added successfully by executing:

echo $PATH

Conclusion

Adding a binary folder path to your PATH environment variable on macOS can significantly enhance your efficiency when working with terminal commands. With just a few easy steps using vim, you'll have direct access to your binaries, making your coding and development process smoother.