Command syntax to modify multiple files

sg_sonic · 09-26-2009, 11:14 PM

I have a program I use, rrdtool. I need to modify a ds value on every file at the same time. However, using a wildcard (*) to try this operation of all files does not work and instead only updates one file.

Here is the command syntax:

rrdtool tune <file> --maximum traffic_in:100000000000 && rrdtool tune <file> --maximum traffic_out:100000000000

So, how can I do this on every file in the directory?

lutusp · 09-27-2009, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sg_sonic

I have a program I use, rrdtool. I need to modify a ds value on every file at the same time. However, using a wildcard (*) to try this operation of all files does not work and instead only updates one file.

Here is the command syntax:

rrdtool tune <file> --maximum traffic_in:100000000000 && rrdtool tune <file> --maximum traffic_out:100000000000

So, how can I do this on every file in the directory?

You don't say why your present method didn't work or how you tried to do it. Here is a reliable way to scan a directory and all subdirectories and apply any command top each file:

Code:

path="/path/of/interest"

find $path -type f | while read filepath
do
   # put your command here
done

sg_sonic · 09-27-2009, 02:26 AM

As I stated:

"However, using a wildcard (*) to try this operation of all files does not work and instead only updates one file."

Buuut, how would I formulate said command?

Thanks for your help.

lutusp · 09-27-2009, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sg_sonic

As I stated:

"However, using a wildcard (*) to try this operation of all files does not work and instead only updates one file."

Buuut, how would I formulate said command?

Thanks for your help.

Shall I post again, or will you kindly read what I have already posted? I solved your problem, all you have to do is read and apply the solution.

sg_sonic · 09-27-2009, 03:32 AM

Yes, I still don't understand.

path="/path/of/interest"

find $path -type f | while read filepath
do
#your command here
done

Apply what solution? You didn't answer me completely. How do I specify the file name in the command?

rrdtool tune ??? <-- what do I put here ...

I hope I have been clear this time around.

CroMagnon · 09-27-2009, 02:28 PM

The name of the file would be stored in the variable $filepath, so you would write your command with $filepath wherever the filename argument should go.

Note that lutusp's solution will apply to all files in the specified directory and all its subdirectories, which may or may not be what you want. You can use:

Code:

find $path -maxdepth 1 -type f | while read filepath
...

to restrict it to files in the given directory only.