5.9 Functions — keep scripts readable

By Ravindra Bagale Last updated: 1 October 2026

When the file grows past one screen, wrap repeated bits in functions.

log() {
  echo "$(date -Iseconds) $*" | tee -a "$LOG_DIR/health.log"
}

health_ok() {
  curl -fsS "$APP_URL" >/dev/null
}

Call log "OK" or if health_ok; then …. Name functions after the action. Keep side effects obvious.

Interview line: "I keep ops scripts short, with dry-run, clear exit codes and no secrets in the file."