set Command in Linux

Syntax of set Command in Linux

The basic syntax of the set command in Linux is as follows:

Where:

• options: These are the flags that alter the behavior of the 'set' command. Examples include '-o', '-f', '-u', etc.
• name=value: This is the key-value pair used for setting shell options. The name refers to the option you want to set, and value is the value you want to assign.

Options in set Command in Linux

1. -o: This option allows you to control shell options using a long name instead of a single character.

   For example -

   This prevents existing files from being overwritten when using the redirection operator '>'.

2. -f: This option disables filename expansion (globbing).

   For example -

   After this command, wildcard characters will not be replaced by filenames.

3. +o: This option is used to unset an option using its long name.

   For example -

   This allows existing files to be overwritten when using the redirection operator '>'.

Example Usages

• Using 'set' to view all shell variables and functions:

  Output:

  Explanation: This usage of 'set' without any option or argument will list all the shell variables and functions.

• Setting shell option 'ignoreeof' using 'set':

  Explanation: This prevents the shell from exiting upon receiving an EOF character.

Advanced Use Cases of set Command in Linux

• Setting positional parameters using 'set':

  Explanation: This will set the positional parameters. Here, '$1' will be 'a', '$2' will be 'b', and '$3' will be 'c'.

• Using 'set' to enable debugging:

  Explanation: This will print each command to the standard error before executing it, which is useful for debugging scripts.

• Using 'set' to protect against script modification:

  Explanation: This is an advanced usage where 'set' helps in preventing scripts from accidental overwriting.