expect

Execute an expect script from file

$ expect [path/to/file]

$ expect -c "[commands]"

$ expect -i

expect [options] [script] [arguments]

expect automates interactive applications by scripting responses to expected prompts. It spawns processes and responds to their output based on pattern matching.
The tool uses Tcl scripting language with expect-specific commands like spawn, expect, and send. Scripts can handle multiple response patterns, timeouts, and conditional logic. This enables automation of programs that require interactive input like passwords, confirmations, or menu selections.
Commonly used for automating SSH logins, FTP sessions, database setup scripts, and other interactive programs. While powerful, modern alternatives like SSH keys, API tokens, and configuration management tools are often preferred for security.

-c commands

Execute commands directly

Interactive mode (REPL)

Read commands from file

Debug mode

Uses Tcl scripting language. Sending passwords in scripts has security implications. Consider SSH keys or other authentication methods when possible.

autoexpect(1), tcl(1), ssh(1)