How to store a command in a variable in a shell script?

Question

I would like to store a command to use at a later period in a variable (not the output of the command, but the command itself)

I have a simple script as follows:

Answer 1

var=$(echo "asdf")
echo $var
# => asdf

Using this method, the command is immediately evaluated and it's return value is stored.

stored_date=$(date)
echo $stored_date
# => Thu Jan 15 10:57:16 EST 2015
# (wait a few seconds)
echo $stored_date
# => Thu Jan 15 10:57:16 EST 2015

Same with backtick

stored_date=`date`
echo $stored_date
# => Thu Jan 15 11:02:19 EST 2015
# (wait a few seconds)
echo $stored_date
# => Thu Jan 15 11:02:19 EST 2015

Using eval in the $(...) will not make it evaluated later

stored_date=$(eval "date")
echo $stored_date
# => Thu Jan 15 11:05:30 EST 2015
# (wait a few seconds)
echo $stored_date
# => Thu Jan 15 11:05:30 EST 2015

Using eval, it is evaluated when eval is used

stored_date="date" # < storing the command itself
echo $(eval "$stored_date")
# => Thu Jan 15 11:07:05 EST 2015
# (wait a few seconds)
echo $(eval "$stored_date")
# => Thu Jan 15 11:07:16 EST 2015
#                     ^^ Time changed

In the above example, if you need to run a command with arguments, put them in the string you are storing

stored_date="date -u"
# ...

For bash scripts this is rarely relevant, but one last note. Be careful with eval. Eval only strings you control, never strings coming from an untrusted user or built from untrusted user input.

• Thanks to @CharlesDuffy for reminding me to quote the command!