Troubleshooting the syntax error near unexpected token 'fi' in Your BASH Script

Uncover the common causes of the `syntax error near unexpected token 'fi'` in BASH and learn how to fix it effectively. --- This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/74603740/ asked by the user 'Rat' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/20604295/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/74603786/ provided by the user 'choroba' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/1030675/ ) 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: I believe my code is formatted correctly but still getting `syntax error near unexpected token 'fi'` 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. --- Troubleshooting the syntax error near unexpected token 'fi' in Your BASH Script When working with shell scripts, it’s not uncommon to encounter errors that can stump even seasoned programmers. One such frustrating error is the syntax error near unexpected token 'fi'. This issue often arises from an oversight in your code, particularly when managing conditionals. If you're facing this error, don't worry—this post will guide you through the problem and provide a clear solution. The Problem You’re attempting to create a menu in a BASH app, but in your code, you’ve run into the syntax error near unexpected token 'fi'. Here’s a glimpse of your BASH script: [[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]] Despite your attention to detail, this error indicates that there's a mismatch or misusage in your if statements or the way functions are called. Let's break down the solution! Analyzing the Error The syntax error near unexpected token 'fi' usually means that Bash is having trouble understanding the expected flow of your conditionals. A common issue in this case could be due to the misapplication of function call syntax. Key Points to Check: Confirming Function Syntax: When you want to call a function in BASH, you should reference it by its name without parentheses. Using parentheses makes Bash expect a different format, which can lead to unexpected syntax errors. Correct use of if Conditions: Ensure your conditions are being correctly checked. Remember to avoid inline spaces which can elicit undesired results. The Solution How To Fix Your Code To resolve the error you're facing, adjust the lines where you call functions a() and b() as follows: [[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]] Complete Corrected Code Here is what your updated script should look like: [[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]] Additional Best Practices Use Single Equals: When comparing, especially when it’s a string, consider using a single equals sign (=) in BASH which can help avoid pitfalls. Add quotes: Always quote your variables (e.g., "$input"), which protects against unexpected issues, especially when input might be empty or contain spaces. Conclusion Encountering syntax errors in scripts can be frustrating, but they can often be resolved by revisiting function calls and checking conditional statements. By changing how you call functions and ensuring your syntax is correct, you can address the syntax error near unexpected token 'fi' effectively. Now, go ahead and update your script—you'll be back on track in no time! Happy scripting!