---
syntax: markdown
tags: [tldr, common]
source: https://github.com/tldr-pages/tldr.git
---
# IFS

> `$IFS` (Internal Field Separator) is a special environment variable that defines the delimiter used for word splitting in Unix shells.
> The default value of `$IFS` is a space, tab, and newline. The three characters serve as delimiters.
> More information: <https://www.gnu.org/software/bash/manual/bash.html#Word-Splitting>.

- View the current `$IFS` value:

`echo "$IFS"`

- Change the `$IFS` value:

`IFS="{{:}}"`

- Reset `$IFS` to default:

`IFS=$' 	
'`

- Temporarily change the `$IFS` value in a subshell:

`(IFS="{{:}}"; echo "{{one:two:three}}")`