How to run a python script in bash, and use the output for cd?

Question

I want to do:

alias go=cd $(go.py $1)

then run

?> go home

go.py prints some directory (/my/special/home), which is used by cd to go to that location. But, it doesn't work. If I change the alias to:

alias go=cd $(go.py home)

it works fine, but I want it to be a bit more configurable. Something with the syntax I don't understand I assume.

I think your first deal is going to literally spit out, if you type "go home", cd $(go.py $1) home — zzxyz
– zzxyz, Commented Aug 25, 2017 at 0:07

hek2mgl · Accepted Answer · 2017-08-25 00:06:38Z

3

Use a function instead of an alias:

function go() { cd "$(go.py "${1}")" }

answered Aug 25, 2017 at 0:06

hek2mgl

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2 Comments

Rollie Over a year ago

I tried something like that, but didn't use the curly braces for the argument. If you know, how does bash parse those?

hek2mgl Over a year ago

Actually it doesn't matter here. You could also use "$1". The curly braces are good when you use variable names like ${FOO_BAR}. If you would use $FOO_BAR it is unclear if the variable is called FOO_BAR or if you expand the variable FOO and append the string _BAR. That's why it is a good habit to use curly braces.

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