Bash Shell Scripting - Returning Data

The video tutorial explains how return values work in different programming languages, focusing on bash scripting. It covers three methods to return values from functions: using global variables, command substitution, and the return statement. The tutorial demonstrates how to count user accounts in a system using these methods and highlights the limitations of the return statement in bash, which only returns numeric exit statuses. The video concludes with examples of using return values for decision-making in scripts.

What is a key difference between return values in Bash and other programming languages?

• Bash can return references.

• Bash can return objects.

• Bash can only return numeric status codes.

• Bash can return strings and numbers.

In the first method, what does the function 'get_user_count' do?

• It lists all files in a directory.

• It counts the number of user accounts.

• It counts the number of lines in a file.

• It calculates the total disk space.

How is the result of the 'get_user_count' function stored in the first method?

• In a local variable.

• In a file.

• In a database.

• In a global variable.

What technique is used in the second method to return a value from a function?

• Command substitution.

• Function overloading.

• File redirection.

• Variable assignment.

In the second method, what is the purpose of using 'echo' in the function?

• To print the function name.

• To return a value from the function.

• To log errors.

• To execute another script.

What does the return statement in Bash typically return?

• A numeric exit status.

• An object reference.

• A boolean value.

• A string value.

How can you capture the exit status of a function in Bash?

• Using the variable $?.

• Using the variable $result.

• Using the variable $exit.

• Using the variable $status.

What is the significance of the exit status 0 in Bash?

• It indicates success.

• It indicates a pending operation.

• It indicates an error.

• It indicates a warning.

How can different return values be used in a Bash script?

• To change the script's language.

• To decide which function to call next.

• To alter the script's execution speed.

• To modify the script's permissions.

What can be done based on the return value of 200 in a script?

• Invoke a different function.

• Terminate the script.

• Log out the user.

• Restart the system.