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Bash Arrays


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Working with Arrays in Bash

This section explains how to create and manipulate arrays in Bash scripts.

Arrays allow you to store multiple values in a single variable, making data management easier.


Creating Arrays

To create an array in Bash, use the following syntax.

Arrays can store multiple values, and each value is indexed starting from zero:

Example: Create an Array

my_array=("value1" "value2" "value3")
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Use descriptive names for arrays to indicate their purpose.


Accessing Array Elements

To access elements in a Bash array, use the index of the element.

The index is specified in square brackets:

Example: Access Array Elements

echo ${my_array[0]}
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Note: Bash arrays start at index 0, so ${my_array[0]} is the first element.

Other shells differ: in zsh, the default shell on macOS, arrays start at index 1.



Modifying Array Elements

You can modify elements in a Bash array by specifying the index and assigning a new value:

Example: Modify Array Elements

my_array[1]="new_value"
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