[emmelaich]

I think a better alternative is something like

    rm -r "${VAR:-var_is_not_set_so_please_fix_this_script}"

which substitutes the var_is_... if VAR is not set.

BTW, I hate hate hate -f. It has two meanings: 1. 'force' the removal 2. ignore any error

I've seen an instance of this sort of bug in my sysadmin career that I remember. It was a Solaris patch which wiped a chunk of the system.

[rjcz]

No, this will remove 'var_is_not_set_so_please_fix_this_script' file if one exists.

If you're suggesting using parameter expansion, at least suggest the correct one (i.e. one that will give a meaningful error message):

    ${parameter:?word}

http://pubs.opengroup.org/onlinepubs/9699919799/utilities/V3...

[emmelaich]

Yep, better. Thanks.