Use a fallback if variable is unset or empty.

Section: Variables

Default value expansion

bash
bash
echo "${PORT:-3000}"
Explanation

One of the most common parameter expansion patterns.

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Compare similar commands or jump into common fixes when this command is part of a bigger troubleshooting path.

Related commands

Same sheet · prioritizing Variables
Assign default value
Assign default if variable is unset or empty.
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Require variable
Abort expansion with error if variable is missing.
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Alternate value expansion
Use alternate text when variable is set and non-empty.
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Assign variable
Assign a shell variable.
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Read variable
Expand a variable with double quotes.
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Export variable
Export a variable to child processes.
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