Bash Scripting - Arrays
Why does
echo ${arr[-1]} not print the last element in Bash arrays?Why does echo ${arr[-1]} not print the last element in Bash arrays?
hard🧠 Conceptual Q10 of 15
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
Step 1: Understand Bash array indexing rules
Bash arrays use zero-based positive indexes only; negative indexes are invalid.Step 2: Explain behavior of negative index
Using ${arr[-1]} does not access last element; it is treated as a string key or empty.Final Answer:
Bash does not support negative indexes in arrays -> Option AQuick Check:
Negative indexes unsupported in Bash arrays [OK]
Quick Trick: Bash arrays only support zero or positive indexes [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES- Assuming negative indexes work like Python
- Expecting last element with ${arr[-1]}
- Confusing Bash versions or features
Master "Arrays" in Bash Scripting
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