.ferret - the Ferret initialization file. This optional file holds a list of Ferret commands that will be executed immediately each time Ferret is started, permitting Ferret to be tailored to individual needs and styles. The file must be located in your $HOME (login) directory. A simple way to set up such a file is to enter Ferret, enter the commands that you want executed each time you enter Ferret, exit Ferret and rename the file "ferret.jnl" to ".ferret". Thereafter, all commands in ".ferret" will be executed automatically whenever you enter Ferret.
ferret_paths - defines the Ferret environment. The following environment variables are defined in the file ferret_paths:
FER_DATA - list of directories to be searched to locate data files. Usually this list includes ".", the current directory, and $FER_DSETS/data, a directory of sample data sets provided with Ferret. Your system manager may have set this variable to include other data areas as well. This is the list of directories searched to locate netCDF files.
FER_DESCR - list of directories to be searched to locate descriptor files. Descriptors are required by Ferret to access data sets that are in Ferret's "GT" (grids at timesteps) or "TS" (time series) formats. Usually this list includes ".", the current directory, and $FER_DSETS/descr, a directory of sample descriptors provided with Ferret.
FER_GRIDS - list of directories to be searched to locate grid definition files. Data sets will usually have a grid definition file associated with them so that the grids on which the data are defined may be known.
FER_DIR - top directory of the Ferret distribution on your system.
FER_DSETS - directory of sample data sets provided with the Ferret distribution.
FER_PALETTE - list of directories to be searched to locate palette files. Usually this list includes "." and $FER_DIR/ppl. Note that to assist you in choosing a good palette for your plot, there is an FAQ, How can I find a good color palette for my plot?
FER_GO - list of directories to be searched to locate GO scripts. This list usually includes ".", $FER_DIR/go, $FER_DIR/examples (demonstrations and tutorial), and $FER_DIR/contrib (user contributions demonstrating various applications; accuracy not guaranteed).
FER_EXTERNAL_FUNCTIONS - list of directories to be searched to locate the shared object files (.so files) for external functions. By default this list includes the location of the example functions and the functions included with the Ferret distribution.