In Linux Mint 22.3 (Cinnamon/GNOME Terminal), if you want to stop execution of pasted commands as soon as one fails (exits with a non-zero code), but without closing the terminal or writing a script, you have a few options.

Why set -e Doesn't Work for You

• set -e (or set -o errexit) causes the shell to exit immediately if any command fails.
• In an interactive shell, this closes the terminal, which is not what you want.

Best Workaround: Use a Subshell with set -e

You can wrap your pasted commands in a subshell with set -e:

(set -e; command1; command2; command3; ...)

• This runs all commands in a subshell.
• If any command fails, the subshell exits, but your main terminal remains open.
• The remaining commands in the subshell do not execute.

Example:

(set -e; ls /nonexistent; echo "This won't run if ls fails")

• If ls /nonexistent fails, the echo command is skipped, but your terminal stays open.

Alternative: Use && Between Commands

If you paste commands like this:

command1 && command2 && command3

• Each command only runs if the previous one succeeds.
• This is not automatic (you must add && between commands), but it works in an interactive shell.

Why No Perfect Native Solution Exists

• The shell does not natively support stopping execution of pasted commands on error without either:
  • Exiting the shell (set -e).
  • Using a subshell or script.
• Pasting commands into the terminal is treated as sequential execution, with no built-in way to halt on error.

Summary Table

Recommendation: Use the subshell approach ((set -e; ...)) for the closest match to your needs. It’s a one-liner, requires no script file, and keeps your terminal open.

Question: Would you like a way to make this even more convenient (e.g., with a shell function or alias)?