Using arrays for data containers
One of the powerful features of Bash scripting is the use of arrays. Arrays allow you to store multiple values in a single variable, making your scripts more efficient and your code cleaner. Let’s dive into the basics of Bash arrays and explore how they can be utilized through practical examples.
At its core, an array is a collection of elements that can be accessed by an index. Think of it as a row of mailboxes, each with a unique number. You can store different pieces of mail (data) in each mailbox (element) and retrieve them using their mailbox number (index).
In Bash, arrays are incredibly flexible. They don’t require you to declare a type, and they can grow or shrink as needed. This means you can add or remove elements without having to worry about the size of the array.
Declaring an array in Bash is straightforward. You don’t need to explicitly declare a variable as an array; simply assigning values to it in an array...
