78 lines
1.7 KiB
Markdown
78 lines
1.7 KiB
Markdown
# 📝 Bash `read` Command
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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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---
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## 🔤 Basic Syntax
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```bash
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read [options] variable
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```
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---
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## 📘 Simple Example
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```bash
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echo "What is your name?"
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read name
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echo "Hello, $name!"
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```
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* `read name` takes input from the user and stores it in the variable `name`.
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* The script then greets the user with the stored input.
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---
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## 🎯 Prompt Inline with `-p`
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```bash
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read -p "What is your name? " name
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echo "Hello, $name!"
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```
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* `-p` allows you to show the prompt **on the same line** as the user input.
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---
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## 🔒 Silent Input with `-s` (e.g., Passwords)
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```bash
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read -sp "Enter your password: " password
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echo $password >> pass.txt
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```
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* `-s` hides the user’s input while typing (useful for passwords).
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* `>> pass.txt` appends the password to a file (⚠️ For demonstration only—**avoid storing passwords in plain text**!).
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---
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## ⏳ Set a Timeout with `-t`
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```bash
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read -t 5 -p "Enter something in 5 seconds: " data
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```
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* `-t 5` gives the user **5 seconds** to input something.
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* If no input is given in time, the script moves on.
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---
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## 🧠 Summary Table
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| Option | Description | Example |
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| ------ | --------------------- | ---------------------------- |
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| `-p` | Show prompt inline | `read -p "Name: " name` |
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| `-s` | Silent (hidden input) | `read -sp "Password: " pass` |
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| `-t` | Timeout (in seconds) | `read -t 10 var` |
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---
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## ✅ Quick Recap
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* Use `read` to get **interactive input** in your Bash scripts.
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* Combine options (`-sp`, `-tp`, etc.) for powerful input control.
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* Avoid exposing sensitive data—use secure handling practices.
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