Resolving the syntax error near unexpected token '}' in Your Bash Script

Struggling with a Bash syntax error in your script? Discover the common causes and how to effectively resolve the `syntax error near unexpected token '}'`. --- This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/77201945/ asked by the user 'stackcen' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/17402491/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/77201978/ provided by the user 'Alijvhr' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/21017967/ ) 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: bash: Why am I getting syntax error near unexpected token `}'? Also, Content (except music) licensed under CC BY-SA https://meta.stackexchange.com/help/licensing The original Question post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ ) license, and the original Answer post is licensed under the 'CC BY-SA 4.0' ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ ) license. If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com. --- Understanding the Bash Syntax Error: syntax error near unexpected token '}' If you're diving into the world of Bash scripting and encounter the error message syntax error near unexpected token '}', you’re not alone. This can be a confusing issue, especially if you’re new to shell scripting or working in a Docker environment. In this post, we’ll explore why this error occurs and how to fix it effectively. The Problem You might be surprised by how frequently this error pops up. Take the scenario where you have a simple script, number_guess.sh, and you’re executing it in a Docker container using VS Code. You might find yourself staring at an error like this: [[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]] Despite your efforts to tweak spaces and ensure proper UTF-8 encoding, the problem persists. So what exactly is going wrong? The Root Cause The issue stems from the empty function body in your Bash script. Here's the original snippet that leads to confusion: [[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]] At first glance, it seems harmless; however, Bash doesn’t allow empty function bodies and will throw a syntax error when it encounters one. This is similar to trying to leave a pot empty when cooking – it simply doesn’t work! The Solution Adding Content to Your Function The simplest fix is to ensure that your function has at least one line of code in its body. Here is how you can amend the original function to include an echo statement, which makes sense for something named HELLO: [[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]] Tips for Success Always Check Function Bodies: Ensure that every function has a defined body with actual commands or echo statements. Test Frequently: Run your script after making small changes. This will help you spot errors immediately without diving deep into larger changes. Use Proper IDE Features: Make good use of VS Code features like syntax highlighting, which can help flag potential syntax errors before even running the script. Conclusion The error syntax error near unexpected token '}' is a common pitfall for many Bash script beginners, primarily due to empty functions. By simply adding an executable line within your function, you can resolve this error and move forward with your scripting. Remember, programming is about experimenting and learning from mistakes! Keep practicing, and don't hesitate to reach out for help when you hit a wall. With this guidance, you should feel more confident in tackling similar issues in your future Bash scripts. Happy scripting!