What is the path environment variable?

Question

What is it and how does it relate to us programing?

Answer 1

The PATH variables store where your compiler and files/packages to import are. In order to be able to compile programs, your IDE needs to be able to find those files.
So for Java, you'd need a PATH for the folder with the JDK version you want to use.

Answer 2

Path is Nothing just informing your Computer about where specifically the Java is Installed in your system.

Answer 3

Understood, thanks guys.

Answer 4

Guys I have installed the jdk on a mac, and the instructions they give in the tutorial are only for Windows. Do I have to specify the path environment variable?