What does bash return do?
Function Return A bash function can return a value via its exit status after execution. By default, a function returns the exit code from the last executed command inside the function. It will stop the function execution once it is called. If n is not supplied, then it will return the exit code of the last command run.
Can bash function return values?
Bash functions, unlike functions in most programming languages do not allow you to return a value to the caller. When a bash function ends its return value is its status: zero for success, non-zero for failure.
How does shell function return value?
A function may return a value in one of four different ways:
- Change the state of a variable or variables.
- Use the exit command to end the shell script.
- Use the return command to end the function, and return the supplied value to the calling section of the shell script.
How do I return in Shell?
return command is used to exit from a shell function. It takes a parameter [N], if N is mentioned then it returns [N] and if N is not mentioned then it returns the status of the last command executed within the function or script. N can only be a numeric value.
How does the if command in Bash work?
As long as you’re using bash specifically, you can set the nullglob option to simplify that somewhat: The if built-in executes a shell command and selects the block based on the return value of the command. ls returns a distinct status code if it does not find the requested files so there is no need for the grep part.
What does return [ n ] do in Bash?
From man bash on return [n]; Causes a function to stop executing and return the value specified by n to its caller. If n is omitted, the return status is that of the last command executed in the function body.
Where is the exit code in the return statement in Bash?
The return statement sets the exit code of the function, much the same as exit will do for the entire script. The exit code for the last command is always available in the $? variable.
What causes a function to stop executing in Bash?
Causes a function to stop executing and return the value specified by n to its caller. If n is omitted, the return status is that of the last command executed in the function body. Cause the shell to exit with a status of n.