Bash Shell Scripting - Shell Prompt Customization

This video tutorial explains how to customize the bash shell prompt using the PS1 and PS2 variables. It covers basic and advanced customization techniques, including displaying the username, computer name, time, and date in the prompt. The tutorial also introduces the PS2 variable for handling line continuations and discusses how to persist these customizations using special files and the export command.

What is the primary purpose of the PS1 variable in bash?

• To store the user's home directory

• To define the shell prompt appearance

• To manage file permissions

• To set the default text editor

Which character is commonly used at the end of a shell prompt?

• Asterisk (*)

• Dollar sign ($)

• Hash (#)

• Ampersand (&)

How can you include the username in the bash prompt using PS1?

• By using the $USER variable

• By using the @ symbol

• By using the %u symbol

• By using the \u switch

What does the \T switch display in the bash prompt?

• The current date

• The current directory

• The shell version

• The time in 12-hour format

What is the role of the PS2 variable in bash?

• To manage environment variables

• To set the default shell

• To indicate a continuation line

• To display the prompt for a new command

How can you continue a command on the next line in bash?

• By using a period (.)

• By using a colon (:)

• By using a backslash (\)

• By using a semicolon (;)

What must be done to make shell prompt customizations persist across sessions?

• Use the 'save' command

• Edit the .bashrc file

• Restart the terminal

• Use the 'persist' command