Know whether the shell script contains syntax error without running the script

Question

I have a long shell script containing a lot of conditions and I want to know whether there is any syntax error in the script without running it.

Since shell script is interpreted I think it is not possible but is there a way to know by using some trick.

score 30 · Accepted Answer · edited Jun 13 '14 at 09:23

30

bash -n scriptname

Although, this will check syntax, not command availability. (will not warn if script uses a command that is not installed yet)

edited Jun 13 '14 at 09:23

user.dz

answered Jun 13 '14 at 08:49

Bodo

3

In addition to bash's inbuilt syntax checḱing you can use shellcheck to identify less severe issues and bad practices. – Glutanimate Jun 15 '14 at 22:40

score 5 · Answer 2 · answered Jul 02 '14 at 07:39

5

I found an online tool to check the syntax of the script. In addition to checking the script, also suggests possible corrections to avoid errors.

answered Jul 02 '14 at 07:39

girardengo

2 Answers2