How does it differ from `.`?

The source command and the . (dot) command in a Linux shell are functionally equivalent; both are used to execute commands from a file in the current shell session. However, there are some differences in usage and context:

Differences Between source and .

1. Syntax:

   • source: This is the explicit command used to source a file.

     source filename
     

   • . (dot): This is a shorthand for the source command.

     . filename
     

2. Readability:

   • source: Using source can make your scripts and commands more readable, especially for those who may not be familiar with the dot command.
   • . (dot): The dot command is shorter but may be less clear to new users or those unfamiliar with shell scripting.

3. Compatibility:

   • Both commands are widely supported in Bash and other Bourne-like shells. However, the source command is not available in all shells (e.g., it is not available in the original Bourne shell). The dot command is more universally recognized across different shell types.

4. Usage Context:

   • While both commands serve the same purpose, you might choose one over the other based on personal preference or the context in which you're writing scripts. For example, in interactive use, you might prefer source for clarity, while in scripts, you might opt for the dot for brevity.

Summary

• Both source and . are used to execute commands from a file in the current shell session.
• source is more explicit and readable, while . is a shorthand that is shorter but may be less clear to some users.
• Both commands are functionally equivalent, and the choice between them often comes down to personal preference.

If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, feel free to ask!