File Format Purpose Sets the user environment at login time. The .profile also provides variable profile assignments that the system sets and exports into the environment. The .profile file is often used to set exported environment variables and terminal modes. The person who customizes the system can use the mkuser command to set default .profile files in each user home directory.
Users can tailor their environment as desired by modifying their .profile file.
The bsh command, csh command, env command, login command, mail command, mkuser command, ksh command, stty command, su command. Operating System and Devices discusses profiles and how they can be modified for individual needs. Operating System and Devices describes what shells are, the different types, and how they affect the way commands are interpreted.