How to split string into parameters in bash?

Question

For example, I want to run find but the parameter is stored in a varibile.

a='-name "build.sh"'
find . $a

It shows error: find: -name "build.sh": unknown primary or operator

I hope it runs like find . -name "build.sh", how to put the var as parameter`?

Thank you.

Written like this, your command would try to find a file which name is "build.sh", including quotes. It's not the expected behaviour, but it should not give you any error. Are you sure you didn't add a special character in your command, like a non-breakable space? — yolenoyer
– yolenoyer, Commented Apr 1, 2022 at 12:15

Joe Casadonte · Accepted Answer · 2022-04-01 12:04:21Z

1

Throw your code into a file and then use shellcheck on it, and it will lead you to this page:

Quotes/backslashes will be treated literally. Use an array.

Do it this way, instead:

a=(-name "build.sh")
find . "${a[@]}"

answered Apr 1, 2022 at 12:04

Joe Casadonte

17.1k11 gold badges50 silver badges61 bronze badges

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

1 Answer 1