Why is My Bash Script Giving a Syntax Error near fi for the Folder Size Check?

Discover why your Bash script is producing a syntax error near 'fi' during a folder size check and learn how to resolve it with conditional statements.
---
Why is My Bash Script Giving a Syntax Error near fi for the Folder Size Check?

If you've ever written a Bash script to check folder sizes, you might have encountered a confusing syntax error near fi. Understanding why this happens and how to resolve it is crucial for smooth script execution. Let's delve into the details.

Common Scenario
Imagine your objective is to check if a folder size exceeds a certain limit and then execute different commands based on the result. Here’s a simplified version of such a script:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Understanding the Syntax Error
A common syntax error associated with fi may look like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This error often stems from subtle issues in your script. Let’s explore some potential causes:

Improper Use of Brackets
Ensure that you use square brackets [ ] properly in your conditional statement and there are spaces before and after the brackets:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Incorrect Use of Logical Operators
Use logical operators correctly. The comparison operator -ge is correct for numerical comparison. Avoid using >= or other non-Bash compliant operators.

Whitespace Misuse
Ensure that there is a space after if and before then:

Correct:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Incorrect:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Content Before fi
Make sure that all commands and conditions are properly closed before reaching fi. There's no missing or unmatched do, case, or other keywords.

Resolving the Error
Here’s a revised and correctly formatted script:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

By addressing the details of bracket placement, logical operators, whitespace use, and ensuring proper closure before fi, you can eliminate the syntax error and have a smoothly functioning script.

Conclusion
Understanding the common pitfalls that lead to syntax errors near fi in Bash scripts can significantly streamline your scripting process. Always double-check the syntax, use proper whitespace, and ensure all constructs are correctly closed to avoid such errors. Happy scripting!