# Bash compound commands

The main part of Bash\'s syntax are the so-called **compound commands**.
They\'re called like that because they use \"real\" commands ([simple
commands](/syntax/basicgrammar#simple_commands) or
[lists](/syntax/basicgrammar#lists)) and knit some intelligence around
them. That is what the essential \"Bash language\" is made of.

## Command grouping

-   grouping: [command grouping](grouping_plain)
-   grouping again: [command grouping in a subshell](grouping_subshell)

## Conditional reactions

Note that conditionals can also be scripted using
[list](/syntax/basicgrammar#lists), which are syntax elements, not
commands.

-   the \"new\" test command: [conditional
    expression](conditional_expression)
-   if-clause: [conditional branching](if_clause)
-   case statement: [pattern-based branching](case)

## Loops

-   [classic for-loop](classic_for)
-   [C-style for-loop](c_for)
-   [while loop](while_loop)
-   [until loop](until_loop)

## Misc

-   math: [arithmetic evaluation](arithmetic_eval)
-   menus: [user selections](user_select)