How to properly set PHP environment variable to run commands in Git Bash

Question

There are a few similar questions as this throughout the site, but none of them are giving me the answer I\'m looking for.

What I\'m trying to do is install Composer

Answer 1

You need to add the PHP directory to your path. On the command line, it would look like this:

SET PATH=%PATH%;C:\wamp\bin\php\php5.5

if in doubt, it's the directory containing the php.exe.

You can also pre-set the path in Windows' control panel. See here on how to do this in Windows 7 for example.

Be aware that if you call the PHP executable from an arbitrary directory, that directory will be the working directory. You may need to adjust your scripts so they use the proper directories for their file operations (if there are any).

Answer 2

If you're in git bash, just type PATH="path to php goes here"

It might be useful to copy the existing path and modify it, so you don't lose other useful paths. Type in export to see the path.

The new path is only valid for the session.

Answer 3

Adding the path to your PATH variable should fix that.

Right click My Computer, go to advanced settings, click Environment Variables then edit the PATH system variable.

Add a semi-colon and then the path to your PHP binary, i.e. ";C:\wamp\bin\php\php5.3.8"

Finally, restart the Git Bash so that it updates the PATH variable.

Answer 4

If you prefer to have it all in the unixy context of your bash cmd window:

1. Open the bash window and you find by default you're in the root directory

   $ pwd
   /
   

2. change to your user directory

   $ cd ~
   $ pwd
   /c/Users/nickw
   

3. create a .bash_profile file or append to an existing one (use single quotes or $PATH will get interpolated)

   $ echo 'PATH=$PATH:/i/wamp64/bin/php/php5.6.19' >> .bash_profile
   

4. check the file has the entry

   $ cat .bash_profile
   PATH=$PATH:/i/wamp64/bin/php/php5.6.19
   

5. close the bash window and open a new one to check

   $ php --version
   PHP 5.6.19 (cli) (built: Mar  2 2016 20:09:42)
   Copyright (c) 1997-2016 The PHP Group
   Zend Engine v2.6.0, Copyright (c) 1998-2016 Zend Technologies