Bashscripts.org

hi
i need to use the ternary operator in bash ...
the variant used in the title works ,

$ echo $(( 2 == 2 ? 2+3 : 4 ))
5
$ echo $(( 3 == 2 ? 2+3 : 4 ))
4

but when i try to use strings it gives me this :

$ echo $(( 3 == 2 ? "aaa" : "bbb" ))
bash: 3 == 2 ? "aaa" : "aaa" : syntax error: operand expected (error token is ""aaa" : "aaa" ")

Thanks in advance!

at least a tiny little hint ...

I am no expert, but I believe whenever you use (( )) it triggers mathematical functions and strings can't be used.

Why not use if statements instead?

you are right, it does mathematical evaluation,
but i have put it as an example of what i have managed to make it work ...

i have used for now if-then but the code looks very ugly and hard to understand or maintain .

also there is another option:
`test expr && echo trueVariant || echo falseVariant` but , still the ternary operator would the most elegant way to write code in this case

also, someone else has asked this question on experts-exchange:
http://www.experts-exchange.com/OS/Linu ... 71721.html
but i don't have an account there ...
maybe someone has one can forward-answer me ...

Thanks in advance!