/bin/sh: 1: Syntax error: Unterminated quoted string when using basename

Question

code example: my PWD = /aa/bb/cc/dd

dir= `dirname "$(PWD)"`
output = `basename "${dir}"`

dir variable outputs correctly: /aa/bb/cc

desired output variable: cc

error I'm getting: /bin/sh: 1: Syntax error: Unterminated quoted string

Whenever you have a shell script error, a good first step is to cut and paste your code into shellcheck.net and correct the errors (important) and warnings (might be important) that it identifies. If you have trouble understanding its messages, then come here and ask. — John1024
– John1024, Commented Sep 26, 2019 at 18:48
There's an edit attempt from another user that tries to be user1094771. Please see I accidentally created two accounts; how do I merge them? — Kamil Maciorowski
– Kamil Maciorowski, Commented Sep 26, 2019 at 19:44
First of all, welcome to Super User! We are always glad to help, but you apparently have two Super User accounts: this one and this one. Please take the time to utilize the following Help Center tutorial and ask the Super User staff to merge your accounts: I accidentally created two accounts; how do I merge them? — Run5k
– Run5k, Commented Sep 26, 2019 at 19:53
The edit was rejected, although maybe it shouldn't have been. If it was really you, the author, then don't let this rejection stop you. After you get the accounts merged you will regain the ownership and be able to edit freely. Edit the question again then. — Kamil Maciorowski
– Kamil Maciorowski, Commented Sep 26, 2019 at 21:39

Lohit Gupta · Accepted Answer · 2019-09-26 21:12:33Z

0

Below code is working for me :

dir1=`dirname "$PWD"`
output=`basename "$dir1"`

answered Sep 26, 2019 at 19:09

Lohit Gupta

1114 bronze badges

Gordon · Accepted Answer · 2019-10-03 01:06:39Z

0

Instead of "$(PWD)", you'll want "${PWD}". The former tries to execute the command PWD, the latter expands to the value of the variable PWD.

answered Oct 3, 2019 at 1:06

Gordon

1812 silver badges5 bronze badges

2 Answers 2