How to Use Exit Codes in Linux: A Comprehensive Guide
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Introduction Exit codes in Linux are essential indicators that provide feedback on the success or failure of executed commands or scripts. Whether you're debugging a script, automating system tasks, or handling errors effectively, understanding exit codes can significantly enhance your workflow. This guide will explain what exit codes are, how to use them, and why they are crucial for scripting and automation. What Are Exit Codes in Linux? Understanding Exit Codes Exit codes are numeric values returned by a process upon its termination. They help determine if a command executed successfully or encountered an error. Why Are Exit Codes Important? They provide feedback on command execution. Useful for debugging scripts. Allow automation scripts to handle failures gracefully. Common Exit Codes and Their Meanings Exit Code Meaning Description 0 Success Command executed successfully. 1 General error Command failed due to an unspecified reason. 2 Misuse of shell built-ins Syntax error or ...