How to configure $PATH (for LaTeX) and run commands in Terminal?

After consulting the programming section of StackExchange, I have been referred to apple.stackexchange instead.

I am using the following template: http://ift.tt/1whemgS.

The associated forum (http://ift.tt/1uZqzlV) suggests that I should run the following commands to solve a coding issue:

• latex article.tex


• bibtex article


• latex article.tex


• latex article.tex

I know I run commands with Terminal.app and I assume I can copy/paste the coding above into Terminal, given that LaTeX is in my $PATH. My questions are, (1) What is the $PATH and (2) how do I configure it to include LaTeX?

Thanks!

Best,

LJR

PS: I am using TeXShop. PPS: I am new to coding and LaTeX.