CODEWITHSUNDEEP
linuxbash
user12877803
user12877803

Reputation:

Command substitution in bash vs function calling

I am writing a shell script from a book, and there is an example where I am creating a function and invoking that function later with $(function_name).

But as far as I know, I can invoke a function by just writing its name. So, what is the difference between calling a function with its name and with $(function_name)?

Upvotes: 1

Views: 1338

Answers (1)

Kent
Kent

Reputation: 195209

$(...) is called command substitution.

Simply put, function_name will print the output, done.

$(function_name) the output from the function will become a part (usually as an argument) as a new command to be executed.

echo "ls"  #<--- assume this is the function

Open a terminal, and give this a try, you will understand it better:

echo "ls"

and

$(echo "ls")

Upvotes: 2

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