Resolving the line 10: syntax error near unexpected token 'fi' Error in Bash Scripts

Discover why you're encountering the `line 10: syntax error near unexpected token 'fi'` error in your Bash script and learn how to fix it effectively with clear examples.
---
This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/69436921/ asked by the user 'gogo' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/15377122/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/69436978/ provided by the user 'chepner' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/1126841/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: Why am I getting a "line 10: syntax error near unexpected token `fi'" error in bash script?

Also, Content (except music) licensed under CC BY-SA https://meta.stackexchange.com/help/l...
The original Question post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... ) license, and the original Answer post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... ) license.

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
Resolving the line 10: syntax error near unexpected token 'fi' Error in Bash Scripts

Bash scripting is a powerful way to automate tasks and manipulate files, but it can sometimes lead to frustrating errors. One such common issue is receiving a syntax error that reads: line 10: syntax error near unexpected token 'fi'. In this guide, we will explore why this error occurs and how to fix it effectively.

Understanding the Problem

Imagine you are trying to create a function in Bash that checks for the existence of a file or directory. You write out your logic but are greeted with an unexpected syntax error when you run your script. This can be confusing, especially when you may not know what went wrong.

The exact error message indicates that there’s a problem with the way Bash interpreted your conditions, leading to confusion between the if, elif, and fi statements. In Bash scripting, syntax integrity is crucial, and even a small mistake can trigger such errors.

Digging into the Error

Analyzing the Code

Here's a snippet from the original function you wrote:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

What's Wrong?

Misuse of elif: The elif statement should be used to provide an alternate "if" condition but was improperly utilized by not following up with a valid test.

Spaces around =: The assignment of local testing_file = $1 includes spaces around the =, which is not valid in Bash.

Improper Structure: The original structure didn't have a valid condition for elif, leading to confusion for Bash regarding what to execute and when.

The Solution

To correct the error, we need to:

Replace the elif statement with an else.

Remove spaces around the = in variable assignments.

Revised Code Example

Here’s the improved version of your function:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Key Changes Made:

Changed elif to else for a proper alternate condition.

Removed spaces surrounding the = in variable assignments.

Added double quotes around variable references to handle empty strings properly and avoid potential issues in path names.

Additional Tips for Bash Scripting

Quoting Variables: Always quote your variables when referencing them, especially if they may contain spaces or be empty.

Use else: Remember that else should be used if you don't have an additional condition to check.

Error Tracing: If you encounter a syntax error, start from the line indicated and work your way backward to check for unclosed statements or improper syntax.

Conclusion

Syntax errors can be frustrating, but understanding their causes and knowing how to address them can be incredibly empowering for a Bash scripter. By following the guidelines outlined here, you can prevent and quickly resolve errors like the line 10: syntax error near unexpected token 'fi'. Happy scripting!