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In general, would most experts, moderators and programmers, like to see the original entire script (even if very long), or just a simplified version of the problematic parts?

I currently have a GNU bash function (with a lot of issues). Is it more advisable to make separate posts for each problematic section, or try to get help with the entire script at once?

I am not trying to get others to do my work for me, I just need some guidance every now and then.

I have even written a small script to try to self-debug my problems, ignoring all the 'fancy' parts of the function.

If the community understands I have tried my best, is it too much to ask to solve the whole function?

In conclusion, what are my best chances of getting help?

Thanks.

A simplified version of the problem would be preferred for starters. We may ask for more later if you cannot solve the problem using the simplified version. Always include the operating system and type of shell you are using.

Just the "relevant sections" often aren't enough; if you don't know the problem, can you truly know what section's relevant? Tracking down where a bad value actually comes from sometimes ends up a game of 20 questions, played across several days.

Whenever possible, the smallest complete program that still exhibits the problem is best IMHO. There's no guessing or waiting that way.

Also related is error messages. If there are any, they're probably useful, and much more useful if they're not paraphrased or otherwise second-hand. They can lose a lot of their meaning in translation, so to speak, especially if their meaning wasn't originally understood.

Thanks for the input. My function is having trouble with one particular parameter and the summary totals of that parameter. I will try to isolate the one parameter and totals in a simplified function so help will be optimized.

Thanks.