Thread: Using read to prompt for editable user input in Bash 3

Below is a simple script to prompt for user input while suggesting an editable default value at the prompt:

Code:

shortname=user1

read -e -i $shortname -p "Please enter the username you would like to add: " input
USERNAME="${input:-$shortname}"

Please enter the username you would like to add: user1

The above is the expected and working output in BASH 4

If I try this same code in BASH 3 it doesn't work because this version does not support the "-i" switch.

I need some help getting the same result in BASH 3.
Thanks

hi,

if this feature doesn't exist, you can't!

an answer is already in your code:

Code:

shortname=user1

read -e -p "Please enter the username you would like to add: (default == $shortname) " input
USERNAME="${input:-$shortname}"

if $input doesn't exist, or is empty, then its default is $shortname's value.

Originally Posted by Watael

hi,

if this feature doesn't exist, you can't!

an answer is already in your code:

Code:

shortname=user1

read -e -p "Please enter the username you would like to add: (default == $shortname) " input
USERNAME="${input:-$shortname}"

if $input doesn't exist, or is empty, then its default is $shortname's value.

Typically in scripting there are several ways to skin a cat. I understand there is a bash limitation when trying to do it "my way". I was hoping someone might be able to show me another way to accomplish the same goal in bash 3.