The typeset built-in prints or sets variables or functions.

Syntax

  • typeset [-gprxX] [variable[=value]…]

  • typeset -f[pr] [function…]

Description

If executed without the -f (--functions) option, the typeset built-in prints or sets variables to the standard output. Otherwise, it prints or sets functions.

If executed with the -p (--print) option, the built-in prints the variables or functions specified by operands. Without the option, it sets variables or functions. If no operands are specified, it prints all existing variables or functions, regardless of whether the -p (--print) option is specified.

Options

-f
--functions

Print or set functions rather than variables.

-g
--global

When setting a new variable, the variable will be a global variable if this option is specified. Without this option, the variable would be a local variable.

When printing variables, all existing variables including global variables are printed if this option is specified. Without this option, only local variables are printed.

-p
--print

Print variables or functions in a form that can be parsed and executed as commands that will restore the currently set variables or functions.

-r
--readonly

When setting variables or functions, make them read-only.

When printing variables or functions, print read-only variables or functions only.

-x
--export

When setting variables, mark them for export, so that they will be exported to external commands.

When printing variables, print exported variables only.

-X
--unexport

When setting variables, cancel exportation of the variables.

Operands

variable (without value)

The name of a variable that is to be set or printed.

Without the -p (--print) option, the variable is defined (if not yet defined) but its value is not set nor changed. Variables that are defined without values are treated as unset in parameter expansion.

variable=value

The name of a variable and its new value.

The value is assigned to the variable (regardless of the -p (--print) option).

function

The name of an existing function that is to be set or printed.

Exit status

The exit status of the typeset built-in is zero unless there is any error.

Notes

A global variable cannot be newly defined if a local variable has already been defined with the same name. The local variable will be set regardless of the -g (--global) option.

The typeset built-in is an elective built-in. It cannot be used in the POSIXly-correct mode because POSIX does not define its behavior.

The export and readonly built-ins are equivalent to the typeset built-in with the -gx and -gr options, respectively. The local built-in is equivalent to the typeset built-in except that the -f (--functions) and -g (--global) options cannot be used.