Shell Scripting: Difference Between Single Quotes and Double Quotes

In shell scripting, single quotes (' ') and double quotes (" ") are used to define strings. The main difference between them is in how they treat variables and special characters.

Single Quotes (' ')

Single quotes treat everything within them as a literal string. This means that variables and special characters inside single quotes are not interpreted. Single quotes are useful when you want to prevent any kind of interpretation.

Double Quotes (" ")

Double quotes allow for variable and special character interpolation. This means that variables and special characters inside double quotes are evaluated and expanded. Double quotes are useful when you want to include variables or special characters within a string.

When to Use Each

• Use single quotes when you want to treat everything as a literal string and prevent interpretation of variables and special characters.
• Use double quotes when you want to include variables or special characters within a string and have them evaluated and expanded.

Knowing when to use single quotes and double quotes in shell scripting is important for proper script functionality.