What is the difference between backticks and $() in bash script?

bash backticks
Misha Moroshko picture Misha Moroshko · Jan 20, 2012 · Viewed 7.9k times · Source

I see in bash scripts two different forms which seems to do the same:

`some command`

and

$(some command)

What is the difference between the two, and when should I use each one of them?

Answer

thiton picture thiton · Jan 20, 2012

There is no semantic difference. The backtick syntax is the older and less powerful version. See man bash, Section "Command Substitution".

If your shell supports the $() syntax, prefer it because it can be nested.

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