increment operators

Q1: What exactly is an arithmetic expression in Bash? An arithmetic expression in Bash allows you to perform calculations and manipulate numeric values. Expressions like 1 + 2 or a * b are evaluated using Bash's arithmetic context, which you can invoke using double parentheses, $(( expression )). Q2: What are side effects in the context of arithmetic expressions? In programming, side effects refer to changes that an operation makes apart from returning a value, which may affect the state elsewhere in the system or script. In Bash arithmetic, side effects are most commonly seen with the increment ++ and decrement -- operators. They modify the value of a variable and, at the same time, use the new or old value in an expression.