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I have an assignment to write a script that reads a number from the user and prints stars say if the number is 3 then it would print

***
**
*
**
***

I understand the idea of how to write it, but i try to make a variable that saves * in it but when i echo $variable it would just show all the folders/files in my current place. how do I just save the '*' as a string without it running the function?

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    Please show a sample of code that illustrates the problem. You can edit your question to include this. Don't forget to format it with the {} button on the editing toolbar.
    – Chris Davies
    Commented Nov 9, 2015 at 22:55

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
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varname='*'

Though you have to be careful with where you use it; since globbing occurs after variable expansion, if you expand it carelessly it'll do the glob operation at expand-time instead. Use echo "$varname" to print it (note the quotes).

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  • Thanks alot I forgot the quotes when I print it that was my issue, kinda new to this thanks!
    – user142424
    Commented Nov 9, 2015 at 23:00
  • Note that variable=* works the same (it would be a different matter for array=(*) vs array=('*') though). The main point here is that parameter expansions must be quoted in POSIX shells.
    – Stéphane Chazelas
    Commented Jan 6, 2020 at 12:27
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Just quote the variable.

$ variable='*'
$ echo $variable
file1 file2 file3
$ echo "$variable"
*
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    Oh god I forgot I had to put the variable in quotes aswell when I do echo "$variable", thanks man!
    – user142424
    Commented Nov 9, 2015 at 22:59

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