BASH Programming - Introduction HOWTO

8. Functions

As in almost any programming language, you can use functions to group pieces of code in a more logical way or practice the divine art of recursion.

Declaring a function is just a matter of writing function my_func { my_code }.

Calling a function is just like calling another program, you just write its name.

8.1 Functions sample

           #!/bin/bash 
           function quit {
               exit
           }
           function hello {
               echo Hello!
           }
           hello
           quit
           echo foo 
           

Lines 2-4 contain the 'quit' function. Lines 5-7 contain the 'hello' function If you are not absolutely sure about what this script does, please try it!.

Notice that a functions don't need to be declared in any specific order.

When running the script you'll notice that first: the function 'hello' is called, second the 'quit' function, and the program never reaches line 10.

8.2 Functions with parameters sample

                #!/bin/bash 
                function quit {
                   exit
                }  
                function e {
                    echo $1 
                }  
                e Hello
                e World
                quit
                echo foo 

           

This script is almost identically to the previous one. The main difference is the funcion 'e'. This function, prints the first argument it receives. Arguments, within funtions, are treated in the same manner as arguments given to the script.