Linux Command Confirmation

Ever wanted a command that asks for confirmation before executing another command? No? Well, me neither! Here's a command that will ask for your confirmation before running the next command: confirm() { echo -n "Do you want to run $*? [N/y] " read -N 1 REPLY echo if test "$REPLY" = "y" -o "$REPLY" = "Y"; then "$@" else echo "Cancelled by user" fi } It's also very easy to use: root@root:~# confirm echo "Hello world!" Do you want to run echo Hello world!? [N/y] y Hello world!

Mar 3, 2025 - 02:36

Ever wanted a command that asks for confirmation before executing another command?

No? Well, me neither!

Here's a command that will ask for your confirmation before running the next command:

confirm() {
    echo -n "Do you want to run $*? [N/y] "
    read -N 1 REPLY
    echo
    if test "$REPLY" = "y" -o "$REPLY" = "Y"; then
        "$@"
    else
        echo "Cancelled by user"
    fi
}

It's also very easy to use:

root@root:~# confirm echo "Hello world!"
Do you want to run echo Hello world!? [N/y] y
Hello world!