how to place a text in the command line

Question

I have a script that reads a line from a file into variable foo. The line is in fact a long command that I often use as a template. I am trying to edit and re-use this long command. How can I place $foo on the command line ready to edit? I do not want to copy and paste the line, nor do I want to use any new apps that need installing such as xdotool. I only want to use the basic Linux commands if possible.

The method with partial success is to append the line to the .bash_history file and then recall it in the usual way. But to do this I need to close the terminal and re-open it (so that the latest copy of the history file is loaded to RAM).

Related: How to automatically insert a string after the prompt, Put text in the bash command line buffer — steeldriver, Nov 19 '21 at 22:25
The link @steeldriver gave works well but often seems complicated. I generally use echo $foo to place the command in the history and then recall and edit it as I see fit. Doesn't work well if you have new lines, quotes, etc. in the command. — doneal24, Nov 19 '21 at 23:09

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Nov 23 '21 at 23:43

1

To reload bash's history file into the current shell (i.e. without logging out and logging in again), run:

history -n

From help history:

  -n   read all history lines not already read from the history file

answered Nov 23 '21 at 23:43

cas

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how to place a text in the command line

1 Answers1