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= How to use bash-completion =

 * Audience: All users
 * Requires: -

== Introduction ==

bash-completion is a set of bash scripts which enables customized completion for specific commands.

This is not just for files and directories, but also e.g. for the commands of `port`. So you type `port <Tab>` and get a list of all possible commands.

== Installation ==

=== Step 1: '''Install bash-completion''' ===

{{{
$ sudo port install bash-completion
}}}

=== Step 2: '''Enable bash-completion in your `.bash_profile` ===

You have to add bash-completion to your `.profile` or `.bash_profile`.

First, locate the file you are using.  If there is a `.bash_profile` edit this file, if there is only `.profile` you want to edit this.  If neither file exists create `.bash_profile`.

Open the file in any editor and add the following lines. Make sure you add this after any PATH manipulation as otherwise the bash-completion will not work correctly.
{{{
# bash-completion
if [ -f /opt/local/etc/bash_completion ]; then
    . /opt/local/etc/bash_completion
fi
}}}
Important: Reopen your Terminal afterwards.

And you are done. From now on, you are able to use customized bash-completion. 

== Optional Parts ==

=== '''Install +bash_completion variant automatically with all ports''' ===

Open the file `/opt/local/etc/macports/variants.conf` in any editor and add a new line:
{{{
+bash_completion
}}}

From now on, MacPorts will automatically select the bash_completion variant for all ports if available.

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