24. Functions (Revision #1)

Table of Contents

24.1. Complex Functions and Function Complexities
24.2. Local Variables
24.3. Recursion Without Local Variables

Like "real" programming languages, Bash has functions, though in a somewhat limited implementation. A function is a subroutine, a code block that implements a set of operations, a "black box" that performs a specified task. Wherever there is repetitive code, when a task repeats with only slight variations in procedure, then consider using a function.

function function_name {
command...
}
or

function_name () {
command...
}

This second form will cheer the hearts of C programmers (and is more portable).

As in C, the function's opening bracket may optionally appear on the second line.

function_name ()
{
command...
}