Environment variables are dynamic named values that store configuration details for your system and user profiles. Think of them as labeled containers that hold specific information, like the path to your Python installation or the location of your user’s home directory. These variables play a crucial role in how programs and applications behave and interact with your system.
In Windows, there are two main types of environment variables: user variables and system variables. User variables are specific to each user account on the computer, while system variables apply to all users and the operating system itself.