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unset MacOS command

The MacOS unset command is used to remove environment variables and paths from your shell session. This can be helpful for cleaning up your environment or for troubleshooting issues related to conflicting variables. By using unset, you can effectively remove specific variables that may be causing issues or simply declutter your environment. This command is particularly useful when you no longer need a certain variable or when you want to reset a variable to its default value. Keep in mind that unset only affects the current shell session, so any changes made will not persist once you close the session.

Terminal window
unset [option] [parameter]
OptionDescription
-ftreat each name as a shell function (not a variable)
-vtreat each name as a variable (not a function)
ParameterDescription
namethe name of the variable/function to unset
Terminal window
unset VARIABLE_NAME

Unsets the specified environment variable in MacOS.

Terminal window
unset PATH

Unsets the PATH environment variable to remove all directories stored in it.

Terminal window
unset MY_VAR

Unsets a custom variable named MY_VAR.

Terminal window
unset -v MY_VAR

Unsets a variable while also reporting if it was previously set.

Terminal window
unset -f function_name

Unsets a specified shell function named function_name.

To use the unset command in bash, execute the following command:

Terminal window
unset MY_VARIABLE

How can I unset multiple variables at once in MacOS?

Section titled “How can I unset multiple variables at once in MacOS?”

To unset multiple variables simultaneously in MacOS, you can specify all the variables separated by a space in a single unset command:

Terminal window
unset VAR1 VAR2 VAR3

How do I unset a variable with a specific option in MacOS?

Section titled “How do I unset a variable with a specific option in MacOS?”

To unset a variable with a specific option in MacOS, you can use the following syntax:

Terminal window
unset -v VARIABLE_NAME

Can I unset a variable while ignoring any errors in MacOS?

Section titled “Can I unset a variable while ignoring any errors in MacOS?”

Yes, you can unset a variable while ignoring any errors by using the following command:

Terminal window
unset -f NON_EXISTING_VARIABLE 2>/dev/null

How can I unset a read-only variable in MacOS?

Section titled “How can I unset a read-only variable in MacOS?”

To unset a read-only variable in MacOS, you can force the unset operation using the following command:

Terminal window
unset -f READ_ONLY_VAR

How do I display a list of all variables in MacOS before unsetting a specific one?

Section titled “How do I display a list of all variables in MacOS before unsetting a specific one?”

You can display a list of all variables in MacOS using the following command before unsetting a specific variable:

Terminal window
printenv

Can I unset a variable in a script file in MacOS?

Section titled “Can I unset a variable in a script file in MacOS?”

Yes, you can unset a variable within a script file in MacOS by including the unset command followed by the variable name in the script:

Terminal window
unset MY_VARIABLE

How do I unset an array variable in MacOS?

Section titled “How do I unset an array variable in MacOS?”

To unset an array variable in MacOS, you can use the following syntax:

Terminal window
unset ARRAY_NAME[index]
  • Removing a variable from the environment
  • Unsetting a specific variable set in the shell
  • Clearing the value of a variable