Question

What Shell character represents a null statement in an if structure?

a) `;`
b) `|`
c) `>`
d) `:`

Answer 1

The Shell character that represents a null statement in an if structure is the : character.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Shell character that represents a null statement in an if structure is the : character. This character is used as a placeholder when there is no action needed in a particular branch of the if structure. For example, in the following code:

if (condition) {
// do something
} else {
:
}

The : character in the else branch indicates that there is no action required.

In an if structure or script, using : allows for a valid construct without executing any specific command, essentially representing a null operation or no operation at all.