> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://freebsdfrau.gitbook.io/serious-shell-programming/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://freebsdfrau.gitbook.io/serious-shell-programming/basics/strings.md).

# Strings

shell is full of surprises. Mastering the four types of strings can help eliminate many of those surprises. Each of the following string types will be discussed with examples given for each.

* Single-Quoted Strings
* Double-Quoted Strings
* Unquoted Strings
* Compound Strings