Read file into variable while suppressing "No such file or directory" error

With BASH it is easy to test if file exists before reading it in

[ -e file ] && var=$(< file )

As Inian points in the comments the file might exist but the user might not have sufficient rights for reading it. The -r test would take care of that.

[ -r file ] && var=$(< file )

var=$(cat file 2>/dev/null)

This is a Useful Use of Cat. It enforces an order of operations: stderr is redirected before file is opened. It serves a purpose. Don't feel bad about using it.