Bash compound commands

The main part of Bash's syntax are the so-called compound commands. They're called like that because they use "real" commands ( simple commands or lists) and knit some intelligence around them. That is what the essential "Bash language" is made of.

• grouping: command grouping
• grouping again: command grouping in a subshell

Note that conditionals can also be scripted using list, which are syntax elements, not commands.

• the "new" test command: conditional expression
• if-clause: conditional branching
• case statement: pattern-based branching

• classic for-loop
• C-style for-loop
• while loop
• until loop

• math: arithmetic evaluation
• menus: user selections