Why does the following code always outputs "0"?
#!/bin/bash
RETVAL=0
echo -e '1\n2' | while read number; do
RETVAL=1
done
echo $RETVAL
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3Duplicate of stackoverflow.com/questions/124167/bash-variable-scope– Antonis ChristofidesOct 9, 2012 at 14:02
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fvue.nl/wiki/…– ZoredacheOct 9, 2012 at 15:37
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2 Answers
The while loop is part of a pipeline, and therefore runs in a subshell. Variables set in the subshell (RETVAL=1) don't affect the parent shell (echo $RETVAL).
answered Oct 9, 2012 at 15:27
It has to do with how the echo is not passing an EOF / Ctrl D to the while read.
If you pull the echo out and enter a Ctrl D to the while loop it will work as expected.
Not sure how to send a Ctrl D via an echo.
answered Oct 9, 2012 at 14:09
