[SOLVED] Reading file into variable in bash

ted_chou12 · 03-21-2011, 01:05 AM

I know that cat can output the file, but how do you store that output in a variable to process:

Code:

CONTENT=cat file.txt

This doesnt seem to work?
Thanks

kheldar · 03-21-2011, 01:38 AM

Code:

CONTENT=$(cat file.txt)

which is the more elegant way, or the older backquote method would be

Code:

CONTENT=`cat file.txt`

Both methods substitute the standard output of the command (whatever the command is) into the main command, whatever that is.

ted_chou12 · 03-21-2011, 01:44 AM

thanks!

grail · 03-21-2011, 01:52 AM

To add to this I would also recommend you reconsider why you would want to place an entire file in a variable??
Normally there is specific data you require from the file and it is generally (of course not always) better to get this information
stored in your variable and then proceed.