bash change directory from script with menu

Question

how can i make this script actually change the directory i'm in?

so the script just takes some options from a database then after i select the one i want, it doesn't work i also tried running the script with source but still nothing..

    #!/bin/bash
    options=( $(mysql --skip-column-names -uroot -pmypass all_dbs -e "select path from databases_table WHERE locked != 0 ") )

    read_list(){
    echo ""
    PS3="Change directory to:"
    select opt in "${options[@]}" "Quit" ; do
        if (( REPLY == 1 + ${#options[@]} )) ; then
            exit
        elif (( REPLY > 0 && REPLY <= ${#options[@]} )) ; then
            chosen="$opt"
            break
        else
            echo "Invalid option. Try another one."
        fi
    done
    }

    changeto_entry(){
    mysql -uroot -pmypass --skip-column-names all_dbs -e "select name,\`database\`,path from databases_table where locked != 0 AND name = '$chosen'" | while read name database path; do
        cd $path
    done
    }

    read_list
    changeto_entry

that other guy · Accepted Answer · 2014-03-04 19:32:45Z

1

You're trying to cd in a subshell created by a pipeline. Here's a simpler test case exhibiting the same problem:

true | cd /

To fix it, you can rewrite the pipe (cmd | while read; do ..; done) to use redirection from process substitution instead (while read; do ..; done < <(cmd)):

changeto_entry(){
  while read _ _ path
  do
    cd "$path"
  done  <   <(mysql -uroot -pmypass --skip-column-names all_dbs -e "select name,\`database\`,path from databases_table where locked != 0 AND name = '$chosen'")
}

Now, if your mysql command is correct, sourcing the file will change the directory.

answered Mar 4, 2014 at 19:32

that other guy

125k12 gold badges187 silver badges214 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

1 Comment

Digital Trauma Over a year ago

+1 This is (almost certainly) the right answer. I kind of glazed over the pipe at the end of the long line. Of course the script will need to be sourced as well.

Tim · Accepted Answer · 2014-03-04 18:12:43Z

0

The current working directory will be for the script, not for you. i.e. your terminal user will just go back to normal after it executes.

answered Mar 4, 2014 at 18:12

Tim

8,7062 gold badges41 silver badges55 bronze badges

2 Comments

Daniel S Over a year ago

is there any way to make it change my directory ?

Tim Over a year ago

I don't know of one, but imagine if every script you ran moved you around your filesystem, because the author forgot to put you back. pretty annoying.

Digital Trauma · Accepted Answer · 2014-03-04 18:15:11Z

0

Your script may work if you source it instead of run it as a normal script:

source ./mycdscript.sh

This will have the effect of evaluating the commands in script within the same shell as your bash prompt.

Be careful though, as any variables/functions set/defined in the script will still be defined in your prompt shell.

answered Mar 4, 2014 at 18:15

Digital Trauma

16.1k4 gold badges55 silver badges87 bronze badges

4 Comments

Digital Trauma Over a year ago

Are you sure the $path variable is getting set? Can you echo its value from within the while loop?

Daniel S Over a year ago

i used echo "cd $path" and i see it\s getting set

Daniel S Over a year ago

i encourage you to try the script - maybe replace the mysql with some array... it's very strange

Digital Trauma Over a year ago

Can you provide samples of what the options array might be set to, and sample output from the 2nd mysql command?

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

bash change directory from script with menu

3 Answers 3

1 Comment

2 Comments

4 Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

3 Answers 3

1 Comment

2 Comments

4 Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related