Linux bash loop on user input

When you need a bash function that iterates over a space-separated list of inputs, this is the pattern. The for input in ${1} loop splits on spaces automatically. Combined with the "$@" trick for calling named functions, this gives you a lightweight way to batch-process command line arguments.

• Create an empty file with .sh extension

$ touch test.sh

• Use your favourite editor add a method to the file

$ vi test.sh

#!/bin/bash

function loop_on_user_input(){
    for input in ${1} ; do 
         echo "Your input is $input"
    done
}

"$@"

”$@” is what that makes the script file (.sh) be able to call methods

• Make file executable

$ chmod u+x test.sh

• Call method with space separated multiple inputs

$ ./test.sh loop_on_user_input 'A B C D'
Your input is A
Your input is B
Your input is C
Your input is D