Learning Linux Shell Scripting - Second Edition

Conditional constructs – if else

We use the if expression to check the pattern or command status and accordingly we can make certain decisions to execute scripts or commands.

The syntax of the if conditional is as follows:

    if     command 
    then 
        command 
        command 
    fi 

From the preceding syntax, we can clearly understand the working of the if conditional construct. Initially, if will execute the command. If the result of command execution is true or 0, then all the commands that are enclosed between then and fi will be executed. If the status of command execution after if is false or non-zero, then all the commands after then will be ignored and the control of execution will directly go to fi.

Let's learn another variation of if constructs.

Syntax: ...