The.zshrc file is automatically produced on your system when zsh is installed. A file that has a dot (.) before its name is hidden and cannot be viewed unless specifically requested.
You might examine the file in your home directory by using the command “ls -al,” which lists every item in a directory. If you execute this command in your file system’s home/user directory, you’ll discover the.zshrc file near the bottom of the list.
The file includes scripts that are used to configure key bindings, functions, options, and other crucial elements when a new instance of zsh is run. It’s known as a startup file in the technical sense.
On MacOS, where can I find the.zshrc file?
If you wish to locate the.zshrc file while using the Zsh shell—macOS Big Sur’s default shell—you must first be aware that one is not automatically generated. Follow these instructions if you think you’ve already made one and want to locate it.
Get Spotlight Search going.
Press Enter after typing Terminal.
To go to your user folder, type cd now.
Use ls -a to view all files.
The.zshrc file ought to be visible; if it isn’t, you don’t have it.
You simply need to type one command to examine the contents of a file.
cat percent /.zshrc
You will get the error below if the file is missing!
There is no such file or directory at /Users/code2care/.zshrc.
zprofile vs zshrc
One of the five zsh configuration files is called zprofile, and it may be found in the home directory. The main difference between zprofile and zshrc is that zprofile stores data and settings unique to the logging user whereas zshrc includes extra scripts and bindings, options, etc. The zshrc file is loaded each time the zsh shell is launched, but the zprofile file is only loaded once when the user signs in, which is another difference between the two files.
Update zshrc
If you alter or add aliases or functions to the zshrc file, you must reload the file for the modifications to take effect; otherwise, the aliases or functions won’t work in the shell. Run the following command in the zsh shell to reload the configuration file and apply your modifications.
/.zshrc source
Bash vs. Zshrc
.bashrc is a private Bash configuration file located in the home directory, as opposed to the zshrc file, which includes the whole setup source of the zsh shell. There are no bash shell setup procedures in the bashrc file, which is a comparatively small file.
The bashrc file is solely used to configure aliases and other environment variables for the bash shell and does not include any more data or scripts. On the other hand, the zshrc may be used to configure setup scripts, default environment variables, and aliases in addition to aliases.
Enhance zshrc with functionalities
The configuration file can be expanded to provide special features, such as aliases for unique terminal commands. You must add the function definition to the file before you can use it, and then source or reload it. The zsh shell’s ability to autoload functions is demonstrated here, along with the syntax of a function declaration.
/ Definition of a function syntax
operation func name(arguments)
/
/ the function’s body
/
return value; return return obj
address to a file containing functions: fpath=(/functions $fpath)
function 1 and function 2 autoload; function names
alias file in zshrc
Aliases are shortcut commands for running certain commands on the terminal. An example of an alias is the most fundamental “cd” command. No matter whatever working directory you are in, an empty cd command will always change your current working directory to “/. (home/user)” without providing the destination landing address. To suit their own purposes, users can establish their own aliases. After being added to the file in a certain syntax, the aliases can be saved. They’ll be useful afterward.
How can a zshrc file be made on macOS?
Despite being macOS’s default shell, Zsh, the zshrc file is not always found in the home directory. The settings and related scripts are stored somewhere else in macOS. However, you may construct the file yourself, make the necessary changes, and it will function as intended even if you need to alter certain variables or add aliases to the zsh shell. Use the methods listed below to create a zsh configuration file on macOS.
Activate the terminal.
Verify you are located in the “/ (home/user>)” directory.
In the command line, type “touch /.zshrc.”
A new file will be created and placed in the directory.
Use your chosen text editor to open the file, then save the modifications.
To import the file into the shell, use “source /.zshrc”.
Add zshrc to the route
PATH is a global environment variable that holds the locations of the binary executable files on your system. Your PATH addresses will be returned if you type the command “echo $PATH” in the shell to check the value of the PATH variable on your Linux system. The zshrc file can be updated to include the new PATH variable entries. To add a new address to the zsh shell path variable, use the techniques listed below.
Activate the terminal.
Verify that the directory includes you.
In the text editor of your choice, open the.zshrc file.
It should read “export PATH=add1>:add2>”.
Save the file by pressing Ctrl + O.
Exit the file by pressing ctrl + X.
NOTE: add1> and add2> are two distinct addresses that are separated by a colon. A colon (:) is used to demarcate lines containing more than one address.