DESCRIPTION

is a package that enables bash dynamic-like shared libraries. Actually its a tool for managing bash scripts whose functions you may want to load and use in scripts of your own.

It contains a `dynamic' loader for the shared libraries ( ldbash(1)Ns),aconfigurationtool(NsXrldbashconfig8Ns),andsomelibraries.

Using ldbash(1)youareabletoloadloadablebashlibraries,suchasXrgetopts1andXrhashstash1Ns. A bash shared library that can be loaded using ldbash(1)mustanswer4requirments:

1. It must be installed in Fa $LIBBASH_PREFIX Ns /lib/bash (default is /usr/lib/bash).
2. It must contain a line that begins with `#EXPORT=' That line will contain (after the `=' Ns ) a list of functions that the library exports. I.e. all the function that will be usable after loading that library will be listed in that line.
3. It must contain a line that begins with `#REQUIRE=' That line will contain (after the `=' Ns ) a list of bash libraries that are required for our library. I.e. every bash library that is in use in our bash library must be listed there.
4. The library must be listed (For more information, see ldbashconfig(8)Ns).

Basic guidelines for writing library of your own:

1. Be aware, that your library will be actually sourced. So, basically, it should contain (i.e define) only functions.
2. Try to declare all variables intended for internal use as local.
3. Global variables and functions that are intended for internal use (i.e are not defined in `#EXPORT=' ) should begin with:

   __<library_name>_

   For example, internal function myfoosort of hashstash library should be named as

   __hashstash_myfoosort

   This helps to avoid conflicts in global name space when using libraries that come from different vendors.
4. See html manual for full version of this guide.