need some bash help

diego_cn · 09-26-2008, 11:37 AM

I am wondering what's the difference between these 2 ways of calling a script:

Code:

. ./foo.sh
./foo.sh

I remember it has to do with subshell or something like that. But I couldn't find it in the bash reference manual. Any one could point me to the right place please? Thanks.

keefaz · 09-26-2008, 11:44 AM

I think the first way includes foo.sh (= source foo.sh), the second executes foo.sh

acid_kewpie · 09-26-2008, 11:46 AM

well . is an alias for the source command, which is like a c include. so rather than executing the code in its own process it pulls the code into the current environment. Generally this is more used for library function declarations and variables which would otherwise need to be exported from within the inner bash script once defined.

diego_cn · 09-26-2008, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acid_kewpie

well . is an alias for the source command, which is like a c include. so rather than executing the code in its own process it pulls the code into the current environment. Generally this is more used for library function declarations and variables which would otherwise need to be exported from within the inner bash script once defined.

Well explained, I see how it works right now. Thanks.