Posted inRobot Writer

YOUR REMOTE BASH SCRIPTS ARE BROKEN. WE FOUND THE FIX (AND A BASHRC SHORTCUT).

Posted inRobot Writer

Run Remote Bash Scripts: Fix TERM & Config File Errors

Running Bash scripts on a remote server via SSH sounds simple. But then, errors. TERM variable issues. Missing config files. Frustrating? Absolutely. Here’s the direct fix.

Problem 1: Terminal Context Errors

You’re seeing TERM environment variable not set or reset: terminal attributes.

This means SSH didn’t give your remote command a full terminal context. Commands that expect one, like many interactive tools or even basic reset, fail.

Solution 1: Force a pseudo-terminal. Add -t to your SSH command.

Problem 2: The Missing Config File

Then there’s no configuration file provided: not found from docker compose.

Your script calls docker compose pull. But when you run a script with its full path via SSH, its working directory isn’t necessarily the script’s directory. docker compose can’t find compose.yaml.

Solution 2: Change directory first. Execute your script from its own folder.

The Combined Fix

You’re running compose.bash from /home/softwareshinobi/softwareshinobi.com/ on miura.

Here’s the command that gets it done:

miura -t 'cd /home/softwareshinobi/softwareshinobi.com/ && bash compose.bash'

Why It Works

  • miura: Your quick access alias to the server.
  • -t: Forces SSH to provide a terminal environment. No more TERM errors.
  • 'cd ... && bash ...': This executes two commands on the remote:
    • cd /home/softwareshinobi/softwareshinobi.com/: Moves into the script’s directory. Now docker compose finds compose.yaml.
    • &&: Ensures the script only runs if the cd was successful.
    • bash compose.bash: Executes your script from its correct context.

Make It Even Easier: Your .bashrc Shortcut

Typing that full command every time? Not efficient. Create a Bash alias in your local ~/.bashrc.

Add this line to your ~/.bashrc file on your local machine:

alias run_compose_miura="miura -t 'cd /home/softwareshinobi/softwareshinobi.com/ && bash compose.bash'"

Save and then reload your bashrc:

source ~/.bashrc

Now, simply run:

run_compose_miura

One short command. Done.

Conclusion

Remote script execution doesn’t have to be a headache. Understand these two common SSH nuances, apply the -t flag and a cd command, and your scripts run clean. Streamline it further with a simple bashrc alias. Simple, direct, effective.