====== BASH - Functions - Local vs Global Functions ======

Functions can be global, i.e. apply by default to every user on the system.

However each user can also have their own functions which only apply to them, i.e. local functions.

----

===== Global Functions =====

Global functions are specified in a file within the **/etc/profile.d/** directory.  The name of the file is irrelevant.

We use **/etc/profile.d/bash_functions.sh**.

<WRAP info>
**NOTE:**  The permissions of the file should have read permissions.

For example 644.

</WRAP>


----

===== Local Functions =====

Local functions are specific to the user.

There is no specific file set aside to hold local functions, but it is recommended to define functions should in a file named **.bash_functions** within a users home directory.


  * ~/.bash_functions

----

===== Enable the functions =====

Have your .bashrc load it, by adding the following to the ./bashrc file:

<file bash ~/.bashrc>
if [ -f ~/.bash_functions ]; then
    . ~/.bash_functions
fi
</file>

or

<file bash ~/.bashrc>
if [ -e $HOME/.bash_functions ]; then
    source $HOME/.bash_functions
fi
</file>

----

To apply the changes immediately to your bash profile without having to log out:

<code bash>
source ~/.bashrc
</code>

or

<code bash>
~/.bash_functions
</code>

or

<code bash>
. ~/.bashrc
</code>

or

<code bash>
. ~/.bash_profile
</code>