How do I know the script file name in a Bash script?

🔍 How to Know the Script File Name in a Bash Script?

You're running a 🐚 Bash script and you want to know the name of the script file itself. It's pretty cool to make your script aware of its own name, right? 🤔

Identifying the Script File Name 📝

To determine the script file name within the script itself, you can use the $0 variable. This variable holds the name of the script being executed.

💡 For example, if your script is named runme.sh, you can use the following code snippet:

#!/bin/bash

echo "You are running $0"

The output of this script would be:

You are running runme.sh

By referencing $0, you are dynamically retrieving the script file name without hardcoding it. This approach allows you to easily rename your script without making any changes within the script itself.

Handling Complex Situations 🔄

In some cases, the $0 variable may not give you the expected results. Let's look at a few scenarios where the script file name retrieval becomes tricky:

1. Symbolic Links 🔗

If your script is accessed via a symbolic link, the $0 variable will hold the name of the symbolic link rather than the actual script file. This behavior can be modified by using readlink:

#!/bin/bash

SCRIPT_PATH=$(readlink -f "$0")
SCRIPT_NAME=$(basename "$SCRIPT_PATH")

echo "You are running $SCRIPT_NAME"

2. Absolute vs Relative Paths 🗂

If your script is executed using an absolute path, the $0 variable will contain the full path to the script file. However, if it is executed using a relative path, the $0 variable will contain only the relative path. To handle both cases consistently, you can use the following code:

#!/bin/bash

SCRIPT_PATH=$(realpath "$0")
SCRIPT_NAME=$(basename "$SCRIPT_PATH")

echo "You are running $SCRIPT_NAME"

3. Spaces in File Path 📂

If your script file name or file path contains spaces, it is essential to wrap the $0 or "$0" in quotes to ensure proper handling. Without quotes, the script may fail if executed with such a filename or path.

📣 Take Action and Enhance Your Scripts!

Knowing the script file name within the script itself adds a layer of flexibility and convenience to your Bash scripts. You can tailor messages, define dynamic variables, or simplify debugging. Embrace the power of $0 and level up your scripting game! 💪

What creative ways have you implemented the $0 variable in your scripts? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let's learn from each other and build awesome scripts together! 😄