nameref

The blog article explains the usage of the `declare -n` command in Bash, a feature that enhances script flexibility by creating indirect references to variables. This is particularly useful for dynamic scenarios, like updating variables through functions without preset names, swapping values, or customizable output locations in functions. The article emphasizes the necessity of using Bash version 4.3 or newer to effectively leverage this capability, which, while powerful, requires cautious use to maintain script readability.

Introduced in Bash 4.3, nameref variables enhance scripting by creating aliases to other variables, thus allowing dynamic data manipulation. Declaring a nameref variable involves using `declare -n`, linking it to an existing variable. Changes to either the nameref or its target affect both, useful in scripts needing flexible configurations.