bashrc variables

[ovince]

Hi All,

I can not find any documentation on what is the difference when I define some variable in .bashrc file like for example:

COS_PATH=+$COSSPEC2D_DIR/pro:$COS_PATH

and

COS_PATH=$COSSPEC2D_DIR/pro:$COS_PATH

(ie without +). Could somebody tell me?

Also I am not sure when to export variables. Should I export it at the end of .bashrc file or whenever the variable is changed? Or perhaps once to export wherever in the file and not to warry about changes in later?


thank you
oliver