List 7 Bash variables you may not know about that can be useful to you
The article "Seven Surprising Bash Variables" discusses seven less-known Bash variables that can be extremely helpful for programmers. The variable `$?` informs about the exit status of the last executed command, allowing users to check whether the operation was successful or not. Another interesting variable is `$$`, which returns the process ID (PID) of the current script; this is useful in scenarios that require process management. The author also highlights the variable `$!`, which allows users to get the PID of the last background process started, making it valuable for asynchronous command executions.
Additionally, there are the variables `$USER` and `$HOSTNAME`, which store the username and the hostname where the script is running, respectively. This can be particularly helpful when wanting to adjust scripts for different environments. The variable `$_` saves the last argument of the last executed command, simplifying access to frequently used arguments for programmers. The article also examines the variable `$#`, which returns the number of arguments passed to the script, essential for controlling application flow based on the number of supplied data.
These seven discussed variables, when used properly, can greatly simplify programming in Bash. Investing time in learning these variables and incorporating them into daily bash work is worthwhile. A deeper understanding of these variables not only streamlines the programming process but also allows better management and control over various aspects of executed scripts. Ultimately, any knowledge that leads to more efficient data and process management is valuable for every programmer. Given the complexities of modern systems, such seemingly minor information can significantly impact the efficiency of our work. Thus, it's advisable to read the article and contemplate how to utilize the mentioned variables in scripts.