Set of includable tools to simplify and improve bash coding

• dataset
  • dataset::match

Works with associative arrays; Before use you need to declare the variable as an associative array with declare -A myvar then pass to function the var name as a string.

The indexes must start with characters from A-Z, a-z and 0-9 and can have any characters except equal sign = and spaces

The values can have any characters, however spaces and tabs are removed from start and end of the string.

Gotchas

• When using returned values for loops use always "${myvar[@]}" encapsulated in double quotes and using @ or you can have unexpected results.

Read a file converting its contents to an associative array;

File example in 'test/example.conf':

# It is a conf commentary line!
itsa.key1 = apple
itsa key2 = invalid line...
Key1      = remains = as = value
2key      = $HOME 

Call example:

declare -A X=$( dataset::read example.conf )
for i in "${!X[@]}"; do
	echo "Key: ($i) / Value: (${X[$i]})";
done

Results in:

Key: (2key) / Value: (/your/home/folder)
Key: (itsa.key1) / Value: (apple)
Key: (Key1) / Value: (remains = as = value)

Get all the indexes of an associative array starting with the string.

for i in $(dataset::match X 'itsa') ; do
	echo "Key: ($i) / Value: (${X[$i]})";
done

Results in:

Key: (itsa.key1) / Value (apple)

You can also use bash patterns on match:

for i in $(dataset::match X '[kK]ey' ) ; do
	echo "Key: ($i) / Value (${X[$i]})";
done

Results in:

Key: (key2) / Value ()
Key: (Key1) / Value (remains = as = value)