my-docs/Linux/Bash Script/06-Read.md

📝 Bash read Command

The read command in Bash is used to take user input from the terminal. It stores the input into one or more variables.

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🔤 Basic Syntax

read [options] variable

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📘 Simple Example

echo "What is your name?"
read name
echo "Hello, $name!"

• read name takes input from the user and stores it in the variable name.
• The script then greets the user with the stored input.

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🎯 Prompt Inline with -p

read -p "What is your name? " name
echo "Hello, $name!"

• -p allows you to show the prompt on the same line as the user input.

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🔒 Silent Input with -s (e.g., Passwords)

read -sp "Enter your password: " password
echo $password >> pass.txt

• -s hides the user’s input while typing (useful for passwords).
• >> pass.txt appends the password to a file (⚠️ For demonstration only—avoid storing passwords in plain text!).

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⏳ Set a Timeout with -t

read -t 5 -p "Enter something in 5 seconds: " data

• -t 5 gives the user 5 seconds to input something.
• If no input is given in time, the script moves on.

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🧠 Summary Table

Option	Description	Example
-p	Show prompt inline	read -p "Name: " name
-s	Silent (hidden input)	read -sp "Password: " pass
-t	Timeout (in seconds)	read -t 10 var

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✅ Quick Recap

• Use read to get interactive input in your Bash scripts.
• Combine options (-sp, -tp, etc.) for powerful input control.
• Avoid exposing sensitive data—use secure handling practices.