bash question?

shanenin · 11-26-2004, 12:07 PM

I have a question about bash syntax. I am using something out of the gentoo install guide as an example

Code:

CFLAGS="-march=athlon-xp -pipe -O2"   
CXXFLAGS="${CFLAGS}"

the line CXXFLAGS is supposed to have the same cflags as the above line, so why would it not be like this

Code:

CXXFLAGS="$CFLAGS"

what purpose do the brackets serve?

druuna · 11-26-2004, 12:22 PM

In the case of the example given, they are optional. There are many constructions where they are required, to mention just one:

${parameter:-word}

If you want the whole story: man bash, specifically the Parameter Expansion section.

On a personal note: I always use the brackets. I could be wrong, but I believe that's the way 'it's supposed to be done'.

Hope this helps.