In bash, how do I run the last command that contains a string?

Question

I'm using a bash shell. Normally if I want to repeat the last command that begins with a certain string, I can run

$ !cat

What if I want to run the last command that contains a string? That is, if I typed a command

$ cat dave.txt

and I want to run the last command with "dave" taht happened to be the above, is there a shortcut that will allow this?

Is Ctrl+R enough? That won't let you run it directly but it makes it very easy to find. — terdon, Dec 15 '20 at 17:45

score 4 · Accepted Answer · answered Dec 15 '20 at 17:56

4

Use the ? event designator:

!?dave

See man bash:

?string[?]

Refer to the most recent command preceding the current position in the history list containing string. The trailing ? may be omitted if string is followed immediately by a newline.

But I find it dangerous to call a random command from the history - what if I'm in a different terminal/directory and I accidentally delete something? Ctrl + R is safer and more flexible.

answered Dec 15 '20 at 17:56

choroba

47,233

1

A compromise is !?dave?:p. That searches history for the most recent command that contains dave and displays it for you. Then you can pull it up again with (cursor up) or !! and modify it before you execute it. – G-Man Says 'Reinstate Monica' Dec 17 '20 at 08:02

In bash, how do I run the last command that contains a string?

1 Answers1