title: Why should eval be avoided in Bash, and what should I use instead?
body: <p>Time and time again, I see Bash answers on Stack Overflow using <code>eval</code> and the answers get bashed, pun intended, for the use of such an "evil" construct. Why is <code>eval</code> so evil?</p>
  
  <p>If <code>eval</code> can't be used safely, what should I use instead?</p>