I'm curious about the practical reasons for using `chmod +x script; ./script` to run a script instead of simply invoking it with `bash script`. Is there an advantage to making the script executable, or is it just a matter of convenience?
4 Answers
Another reason is the way Unix systems handle executable permissions; if another user or a program needs to run your script, the `chmod +x` makes sure they can do so without any hassle. It’s part of the Unix philosophy that different tools should just work together in a logical manner.
Making a script executable with `chmod +x` simplifies running it. If you add the script to your command search path, you can just type the script name instead of having to prepend it with `bash`. This way, when you invoke commands, especially in complex operations, it can save you from dealing with extra arguments or escaping characters that might arise when you're nesting commands.
Also, if you want to run multiple different types of scripts, making them executable means you don't have to keep guessing at which interpreter you need. Plus, if someone else needs to run your script, it’s much more user-friendly if they can just call it directly without knowing the underlying details of how it works.
Exactly! It's all about convenience and sticking to normal conventions, which avoids confusion, especially when collaborating with others.
For clarity, it's worth noting that if your script isn't specifically a bash script, using `bash script` works too, but having the correct shebang line at the top makes it clearer and often eliminates misunderstandings.
Good point! The shebang line is crucial for ensuring the right interpreter runs the script, especially when sharing it with others.
That makes sense! It’s way easier than having to remember which interpreter to use every time, especially if a script can be written in different languages.