I think you want an alias, not an environment variable. alias sql_utility="'sqlplus /nolog" Paul Baumgartel CREDIT SUISSE Information Technology DBA & Admin - NY, KIGA 1 11 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10010 USA Phone 212.538.1143 paul.baumgartel@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx www.credit-suisse.com -----Original Message----- From: oracle-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:oracle-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Zelli, Brian Sent: Monday, October 23, 2006 4:01 PM To: oracle-l Subject: sqlplus variable Hello all, I've been trying to script a backup that uses sqlplus /nolog as a variable. I create the variable as: SQL_UTILITY='sqlplus /nolog' export SQL_UTILITY in my bash script but when I execute it I get: ': not a valid identifier I've tried a bunch of different combos but still get the same error. Which part is wrong? If I just type this at the command line and then echo back $SQL_UTILITY, it works. What could be wrong script-wise? ciao, Brian This email message may contain legally privileged and/or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient(s), or the employee or agent responsible for the delivery of this message to the intended recipient(s), you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of this email message is prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail and delete this email message from your computer. Thank you. ============================================================================== Please access the attached hyperlink for an important electronic communications disclaimer: http://www.credit-suisse.com/legal/en/disclaimer_email_ib.html ==============================================================================