How to run a command before a Bash script exits?

From the bash manpage (concerning builtins):

trap [-lp] [[arg] sigspec ...]
The command arg is to be read and executed when the shell receives signal(s) sigspec.

So, as indicated in Anon.'s answer, call trap early in the script to set up the handler you desire on ERR.


Here's an example of using trap:

#!/bin/bash -e

function cleanup {
  echo "Removing /tmp/foo"
  rm  -r /tmp/foo
}

trap cleanup EXIT
mkdir /tmp/foo
asdffdsa #Fails

Output:

dbrown@luxury:~ $ sh traptest
t: line 9: asdffdsa: command not found
Removing /tmp/foo
dbrown@luxury:~ $

Notice that even though the asdffdsa line failed, the cleanup still was executed.


sh version of devguydavid's answer.

#!/bin/sh
set -e
cleanup() {
  echo "Removing /tmp/foo"
  rm  -r /tmp/foo
}
trap cleanup EXIT
mkdir /tmp/foo
asdffdsa #Fails

ref: shellscript.sh

Tags:

Bash