Return values (return and echo) in Bash Scripting - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the return command do inside a bash function?

It stops the function and sends a numeric exit status (0-255) back to the caller. It does NOT send text output.

beginner

How can you send text output from a bash function?

Use echo inside the function to print text. The caller can capture this output using command substitution.

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What is the difference between return and echo in bash functions?

return sends a numeric status code to indicate success or failure.<br>echo sends text output that can be captured or displayed.

beginner

Can return send strings or complex data in bash?

No. return only sends a number (0-255). To send strings, use echo and capture the output.

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How do you capture the output of a bash function that uses echo?

Use command substitution like result=$(my_function). The variable result will hold the echoed text.

What does return 1 inside a bash function mean?

A The function prints '1' to the screen

B The function ends and sends a failure status 1

C The function sends the string '1' as output

D The function continues running

return sends a numeric exit status. return 1 means the function ended with status 1 (usually failure).

How do you get text output from a bash function?

A Use <code>echo</code> inside the function

B Use <code>print</code> command

C Use <code>return</code> with the text

D Use <code>exit</code> with text

Only echo prints text output. return only sends numeric status.

What is the valid range of numbers you can use with return in bash?

A Any integer

B Only 0 or 1

C 1 to 100

D 0 to 255

return status codes are limited to 0-255 in bash.

How do you store the text output of a bash function into a variable?

A var=$(my_function)

B var=return my_function

C var=echo my_function

D var=my_function

Use command substitution $( ) to capture output from echo inside the function.

If a bash function uses return 5, what will $? be after calling it?

A The text '5'

B 0

C 5

D 1

$? holds the exit status of the last command or function, here it will be 5.

Explain how return and echo differ in bash functions and when to use each.

Think about what you want to send back: a number or text.

Describe how to capture the output of a bash function that prints text using echo.

Remember how you capture command output in bash.