subsequently reference variable

Shell Programming and Scripting
1

Hello,
This is not homework. It is a question that I received on a recent interview for a linux position. Can someone shed some light on the right answer? I got it wrong.

Thanks,

jaysunn

2

If I understood the question correctly, then I answer b :).
Better question will be "value of the variable X". X is variable. Value of variable is $X.
What was the question ? Maybe a is also correct answer ? Why ? If I like to set new value for the variable then I use only X. The best answer is: question is not well done.

3

That is what I had trouble with. I did not understand it correctly. I was told that I got 1 of 4 wrong, however I was not told the answer, or which one I got wrong out of 4. I picked $1 or d. I may of been right. Thats why I need some other opinions.

From the definition.

subsequently
adverb later, afterwards, in the end, consequently, in the aftermath (of), at a later date Subsequently the arrangement was terminated.

I now think I am wrong.
jaysunn

4

The answer is B.

The question starts with the premise of passing a parameter to a script call and assigning the parameter to the variable X. Consider a sample script called test.sh:

#!/bin/bash     < Tells the BASH shell to execute the script
X=$1            < Assigns the parameter to the variable X
echo $X         < Calls the variable X and echos the contents to the standard output

Execute the script by passing a parameter. The output from the script will look like:

>test.sh "Hello World"
Hello World

EDIT:
By the way, you can get a lot of information on shell scripting from the Linux Documentation Project's guides for BASH. They are BASH specific, but many of the concepts apply to other shells as well. BASH is generally available on all *NIX systems and is arguably among the most flexible. They are located at the following URLs:
Beginners: Bash Guide for Beginners
Advanced: Advanced Bash-Scripting Guide