Function definition in Bash Scripting - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a function in bash scripting?

A function is a named block of code that performs a specific task and can be reused multiple times in a script.

beginner

How do you define a function named greet in bash?

You can define it like this:<br>

greet() {
  echo "Hello!"
}

beginner

How do you call a function named greet in bash?

Just write the function name without parentheses:<br>

greet

intermediate

Can bash functions accept arguments? How?

Yes, bash functions accept arguments which are accessed inside the function as $1, $2, etc., representing the first, second argument, and so on.

intermediate

What is the purpose of the return statement in a bash function?

The return statement ends the function and optionally sends an exit status (a number between 0 and 255) back to the caller.

How do you start defining a function named say_hello in bash?

A def say_hello():

B function say_hello[] {

C function say_hello()

D say_hello() {

In bash, functions are defined with the syntax: function_name() { ... }

Inside a bash function, how do you access the first argument passed to it?

A $0

B $first

C $1

D $arg1

Arguments inside bash functions are accessed as $1, $2, etc. $0 is the script name.

What does the return statement do inside a bash function?

A Prints a value to the screen

B Ends the function and sets an exit status

C Calls another function

D Defines a new variable

return ends the function and optionally sends an exit status back.

Which of these is a correct way to call a bash function named greet?

A greet

B greet()

C call greet

D run greet

You call a bash function simply by writing its name: greet

What symbol is used to start the body of a bash function?

A {

B [

C (

D <

The function body starts with a curly brace { and ends with }

Explain how to define and call a function in bash, including how to pass and use arguments.

Think about how you tell a friend to do a task and give them some details.

Describe the role of the return statement in a bash function and how it differs from outputting text.

Return is like finishing a task and giving a status, echo is like saying something out loud.