Can bash's getopts function handle switches as words?

nyc_rr · 06-09-2014, 02:56 PM

Hello friends

I've written some bash scripts that uses switches with the bash's built-in getopts function. But the switches I am currently using are single letters types. Is it possible to use words with getopts to my bash scripts?

For example instead of using a switch this way

myscript -o filename

I want to use a word switch like so

myscript -out filename

Thanks

nyc_rr · 06-09-2014, 03:16 PM

After searching the net, I found out the built-in getopts function is limited to only single characters. However I read there are two external commands called getopt and getoptlong that handle word switches but is a little more cumbersome to use.

So, I guess I'll stick to bash's built-in getopts function instead.

grail · 06-09-2014, 08:51 PM

See if this can give you some options (pardon the pun):- http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...andling-34675/

nyc_rr · 06-10-2014, 02:07 PM

Thanks grail for the link. I will study the code and see if it's for me. I agree with the author of that post, the long word option route is quirky and cryptic