How to Assign Variable in Bash Script? [8 Practical Cases]

Variables allow you to store and manipulate data within your script, making it easier to organize and access information. In Bash scripts, variable assignment follows a straightforward syntax, but it offers a range of options and features that can enhance the flexibility and functionality of your scripts. In this article, I will discuss modes to assign variable in the Bash script. As the Bash script offers a range of methods for assigning variables, I will thoroughly delve into each one.

Key Takeaways

• Getting Familiar With Different Types Of Variables.
• Learning how to assign single or multiple bash variables.
• Understanding the arithmetic operation in Bash Scripting.

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Local Vs Global Variable Assignment

In programming, variables are used to store and manipulate data. There are two main types of variable assignments: local and global.

A. Local Variable Assignment

In programming, a local variable assignment refers to the process of declaring and assigning a variable within a specific scope, such as a function or a block of code. Local variables are temporary and have limited visibility, meaning they can only be accessed within the scope in which they are defined.

Here are some key characteristics of local variable assignment:

Here is an example in Bash script.

#!/bin/bash
my_function() {
    local x=10  # local variable assignment
    echo $x
}

my_function  # Output: 10
echo $x  # Output: (nothing, variable not defined outside the function)

In this example, the variable x is a local variable within the scope of the my_function function. It can be accessed and used within the function, but accessing it outside the function will result in an error because the variable is not defined in the outer scope.

B. Global Variable Assignment

In Bash scripting, global variables are accessible throughout the entire script, regardless of the scope in which they are declared. Global variables can be accessed and modified from any script part, including within functions.

Here are some key characteristics of global variable assignment:

Here is an example in Bash script given in the context of a global variable.

#!/bin/bash
x=10  # global variable assignment

my_function() {
    x=$((x + 5))  # accessing and modifying the global variable
    echo $x
}

my_function  # Output: 15
echo $x  # Output: 15

It’s important to note that in bash, variable assignment without the local keyword within a function will create a global variable even if there is a global variable with the same name. To ensure local scope within a function, using the local keyword explicitly is recommended.

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that subprocesses spawned by a bash script, such as commands executed with $(…) or backticks, create their own separate environments, and variables assigned within those subprocesses are not accessible in the parent script.

8 Different Cases to Assign Variables in Bash Script

In Bash scripting, there are various cases or scenarios in which you may need to assign variables. Here are some common cases I have described below. These examples cover various scenarios, such as assigning single variables, multiple variable assignments in a single line, extracting values from command-line arguments, obtaining input from the user, utilizing environmental variables, etc. So let’s start.

Case 01: Single Variable Assignment

To assign a value to a single variable in Bash script, you can use the following syntax:

variable=value

However, replace the variable with the name of the variable you want to assign, and the value with the desired value you want to assign to that variable.

To assign a single value to a variable in Bash, you can go in the following manner:

Steps to Follow >

❶ At first, launch an Ubuntu Terminal.

❷ Write the following command to open a file in Nano:

nano single_variable.sh

❸ Copy the script mentioned below:

#!/bin/bash
#Assigning integer variable
var_int=23

echo "Student ID: $var_int"

❹ Press CTRL+O and ENTER to save the file; CTRL+X to exit.

❺ Use the following command to make the file executable:

chmod u+x single_variable.sh

❻ Run the script by using the following command:

./single_variable.sh

As the image depicts above, the var_int variables return the assigned value 23 as the Student ID.

Case 02: Multi-Variable Assignment in a Single Line of a Bash Script

Multi-variable assignment in a single line is a concise and efficient way of assigning values to multiple variables simultaneously in Bash scripts. This method helps reduce the number of lines of code and can enhance readability in certain scenarios. Here’s an example of a multi-variable assignment in a single line.

Script (multi_variable.sh) >

#!/bin/bash
#multiple variable in a single line
x=1 y=2 z=3
echo $x
echo $y
echo $z

#Using semicolon sign to separate
var1="Hello"; var2="World"
echo $var1 $var2

#Incorporating read command to assign value
read var3 var4 <<< "Hello LinuxSimply"
echo $var3 $var4

Here variables x, y and z return integer values 1, 2 and 3 respectively. var1, var2 return Hello and World separated by the whitespace. Lastly, variables var3 and var4 return Hello and LinuxSimply respectively.

Case 03: Assigning Variables From Command-Line Arguments

In Bash, you can assign variables from command-line arguments using special variables known as positional parameters. Here is a sample code demonstrated below.

Script (var_as_argument.sh) >

#!/bin/bash
# Assigning variables from command-line arguments
name="$1"
age="$2"
city="$3"

# Using the variables
echo "Name: $name"
echo "Age: $age"
echo "City: $city"

Upon execution, the script with command-line arguments (Positional Parameters) Jhon, 23, NY returns the Name, Age, and City accordingly.

Case 04: Assign Value From Environmental Bash Variable

In Bash, you can also assign the value of an Environmental Variable to a variable. To accomplish the task you can use the following syntax:

variable_name=$ENV_VARIABLE_NAME

However, make sure to replace ENV_VARIABLE_NAME with the actual name of the environment variable you want to assign. Here is a sample code that has been provided for your perusal.

Script (env_variable.sh) >

#!/bin/bash
# Retrieve the value of the environment variable
path_name=$USER

# Use the value in your script
echo "The value of current User is: $path_name"

In this specific case, Environment Variable USER returns the current username miran.

Case 05: Default Value Assignment

In Bash, you can assign default values to variables using the ${variable:-default} syntax. Note that this default value assignment does not change the original value of the variable; it only assigns a default value if the variable is empty or unset. Here’s a script to learn how it works.

Script (default_variable.sh) >

#!/bin/bash
variable=""

# If a variable is unset or empty, assign it a default value
variable="${variable:-Softeko}"
echo "$variable"

# Set a value to the variable
variable="LinuxSimply"

# Since the variable is not empty, the default value is not used
variable="${variable:-variable}"
echo "$variable"

Upon execution, the output shows the default value Softeko first, then returns the assigned value LinuxSimply once the variable gets the data.

Case 06: Assigning Value by Taking Input From the User

In Bash, you can assign a value from the user by using the read command. Remember we have used this command in Case 2. Apart from assigning value in a single line, the read command allows you to prompt the user for input and assign it to a variable. Here’s an example given below.

Script (user_variable.sh) >

#!/bin/bash
# Prompt the user for input
echo "Enter your name:"
read name

# Display the value entered by the user
echo "Hello, $name!"

The prompt takes Miran from the user and stores the value in the name variable. Then the output displays Hello, Miran! as the returned value.

Case 07: Using the “let” Command for Variable Assignment

In Bash, the let command can be used for arithmetic operations and variable assignment. When using let for variable assignment, it allows you to perform arithmetic operations and assign the result to a variable.

Script (let_var_assign.sh) >

#!/bin/bash

# Doing arithmetic operation (Addition)
let "num = 5 + 3"  
echo "The value stored in num1 variable is = $num1" 

The let command sums 5 and 3, then stores the return value to the num variable. The num variable displays the output 8 as “The value stored in num1 variable is = 8”

Case 08: Assigning Shell Command Output to a Variable

Lastly, you can assign the output of a shell command to a variable using command substitution. There are two common ways to achieve this: using backticks (“) or using the $()  syntax. Note that $() syntax is generally preferable over backticks as it provides better readability and nesting capability, and it avoids some issues with quoting. Here’s an example that I have provided using both cases.

Script (shell_command_var.sh) >

#!/bin/bash  

# Using backticks
output1=`ls -l`
echo "$output1"

# Using $() syntax
output2=$(date)
echo "$output2"

Here both the output1 and output2 variables return the output as depicted above.

Assignment on Assigning Variables in Bash Scripts

Finally, I have provided two assignments based on today’s discussion. Don’t forget to check this out.

Conclusion

In conclusion, assigning variable Bash is a crucial aspect of scripting, allowing developers to store and manipulate data efficiently. This article explored several cases to assign variables in Bash, including single-variable assignments, multi-variable assignments in a single line, assigning values from environmental variables, and so on. Each case has its advantages and limitations, and the choice depends on the specific needs of the script or program. However, if you have any questions regarding this article, feel free to comment below. I will get back to you soon. Thank You!

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