Slackware HowTo

Create text menus with whiptail in Bash scripts

Give shell scripts a minimal interface without losing simplicity and traceability.

1. Goal

Give shell scripts a minimal interface without losing simplicity and traceability.

2. Files and components involved

/usr/bin/whiptail
/root/bin/menu.sh
bash

3. Operational flow

create menu with whiptail --menu
save choice in variable
handle final case block
make script executable

4. Operational verification

bash -n /root/bin/menu.sh
/root/bin/menu.sh
echo exit code

5. Practical notes

Before using a script in production, always test the full flow with controlled input, logs, and exit codes.

A small but readable script, with clear output and consistent exit codes, is more useful than an opaque one.

Quick checklist

[ ] Backup or copy of the existing configuration completed
[ ] Files and commands updated as expected
[ ] Local test completed successfully
[ ] Logs or final output verified
[ ] Rollback procedure documented

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