[Solved] You wrote this script snippet:echo "Last command status: $?" ls /nonexistent But it always prints Last command status: 0 even if the directory doesn't exist. What is the problem? | Bash Scripting

Bash Scripting - Variables

You wrote this script snippet:

echo "Last command status: $?"
ls /nonexistent

But it always prints Last command status: 0 even if the directory doesn't exist. What is the problem?

AThe <code>ls</code> command is correct, no problem

BThe <code>echo</code> runs before <code>ls</code>, so $? is from previous command

CYou should use <code>$$</code> instead of <code>$?</code>

DYou need to quote <code>$?</code> differently

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Understand when $? is evaluated
$? holds the exit status of the last command executed before it.
Step 2: Check command order
The echo runs first, so it shows the status of the command before echo, not ls.
Final Answer:
The echo runs before ls, so $? is from previous command -> Option B
Quick Check:
Check command order for $? [OK]

Quick Trick: Print $? immediately after the command to get correct status [OK]

Common Mistakes:

MISTAKES

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