Bashlogout

Bashlogout is a term commonly used to describe the Bash logout mechanism, specifically the script and routines that run when a login shell exits. In practice, a user creates per-user logout tasks by placing commands in the file named ~/.bash_logout. Some systems also provide a system-wide logout script, such as /etc/bash.bash_logout or /etc/bash_logout, which runs when any user’s login shell ends, before or after the per-user script depending on the configuration.

How it works: when a login shell terminates, Bash checks for the presence of ~/.bash_logout and, if found, executes the commands contained therein. This behavior allows users to perform cleanup tasks, save state, log activity, release resources, or restore terminal settings at the end of a session. System-wide logout scripts, if present, are typically executed as part of the shell’s exit sequence as well, providing a central place for administrator-defined logout actions.

Common uses include logging logout events to a file, clearing temporary files or caches, resetting terminal titles or environment variables, and ensuring that certain resources are properly released. Because the file is interpreted as a Bash script, it should contain valid shell commands and can reference environment variables like $HOME, $HOSTNAME, and others.

Notes and limitations: the logout script only runs for login shells, and not for non-login interactive shells or non-interactive sessions. Behavior can vary slightly between distributions, so it is advisable to consult local documentation for the presence and location of a system-wide bash logout script. See also: .bashrc, profile files, and the Bash manual’s section on login shells and logout.