How to use a heredoc inside a bash function?

Question

Is it possible to insert a heredoc inside a bash function?

The trivial sample below results in an error: ./heredoc_in_function.sh: 10: Syntax error: end of file unexpected (expecting "}")

#!/bin/sh

my_function () {
cat <<HEREDOC
heredoc contents
HEREDOC
}

my_function

Environment:

I was under the impression that heredoc was a Perl thing. Is there any reason to believe it would work in BASH? — jdw
– jdw, Commented Nov 22, 2011 at 2:30
@jdw, here docs are present in many languages including bash. — Zoredache
– Zoredache, Commented Nov 22, 2011 at 2:55

0laf · Accepted Answer · 2018-04-26 17:22:33Z

11

Your code looked fine to me, so I copied it line for line and it worked for me on:

Is it possible for you to retype the file by hand just to make sure you aren't missing or adding spaces/tabs/etc?

Also, how are you executing it? I did a chmod +x test.sh and then ./test.sh

EDIT: I received the same error as you when I added a space at the beginning of the line with the closing HEREDOC.

Further Note: A trailing space behind the closing HEREDOC can also cause this

0laf

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answered Nov 22, 2011 at 2:36

David

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