I am installing Inkscape 1.0.1 on Windows 8.
Now the question pops up if I want to add Inkscape to the system path or not?

What is this function for? I know I do not need it, but it is nice to know what it refers to.
It is not a common question during a simple installation..

Thanks in advance for looking at my question.

AIUI, the path is a file that tells the OS where to look for files related to a program.

e.g. If Inkscape uses ghostscript for some operations, it calls to the operating system for gs and windows looks at the path file to see where to find it.

Similarly, it might help if others programs call Inkscape, that Inkscape be in the path file. This is not so common.

Does this help?

Hi Tyler,

Thank you for your explanation. Yes, your explanation helps. Maybe this topic will help other people too.

I have installed Ghostscript succesfully in the past, so that Inkscape can import eps files.
To make Ghostscript work on Windows, I added the its location to the system's path, but it was an abstract thing to do.

I think now, after some online searching, that this option in the Inkscape installation process has to do with working with the command line.
Andd maybe using LaTex, which is also not in my repertoire. But I know that there are many people who use it in their work.
There is still so much to learn everyday!

i need help, I'm basically an infant here. i want to make and /or modify vectory art, i went to install this, can you or anyone explain it in simpler terms? i went to instll it a bit ago, and i got scared of by this prompt, idk if it's advisaple to do with PATH or without? idk the pro and cons, idk what future holds, and im careful with my only laptop, and based on the ways things going in the world today i likely won't get another one, anywayz, if you could talk to me like im a dummy but nicely that would be appreciated, btw, im using for t-shirts  and mugs...i run lenovo yoga 15" if matters, plz and thx for hep, bc i won't install till i get an answer. ;)

I'm new and my grammar and spelling is not the best, how long does this await moderated approval?

Most program installers automatically add the new software to the PATH. The PATH variables tell the OS where to look for files related to the program. 

Inkscape installer gives you a choice because open-source developers like options for non-standard configurations.

It is perfectly safe and recommended to add Inkscape to the PATH variables.

I always install Inkscape to the PATH in Windows.

Tyler, Thank youfor your explanation, above. It was exactly what I needed.to clear my confusionabout the "dreaded PATH" question. 👏