Abort expansion with error if variable is missing.

Section: Variables

Require variable

bash
bash
echo "${DATABASE_URL:?DATABASE_URL is required}"
Explanation

Great for defensive scripts and deployment checks.

Learn the surrounding workflow

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

Related commands

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