[SOLVED] Scripting: catching first line into variable

Passmossis · 11-02-2011, 08:44 AM

I am attempting to capture only the first return from a multiple line return into a variable.

Command results:

Code:

TVE-2001-1111
TVE-2001-1111
TVE-2001-1111
TVE-2001-1111

Variable results after capture:

Code:

TVE-2001-1111 TVE-2001-1111 TVE-2001-1111 TVE-2001-1111

What I need:

Code:

TVE-2001-1111

I've tried using awk on the variable in the script by

Code:

cat $VarName | awk '{$print %1}'

But alas it's not that easy. I'm sure there is something simple I am missing. Any help would be much appreciated.

macemoneta · 11-02-2011, 08:50 AM

Use 'head':

Code:

variable=$(someCommand | head -n1)

Passmossis · 11-02-2011, 08:52 AM

See, I just knew there was something that would fit exactly what I needed. Much appreciated.

Setting topic as solved.

David the H. · 11-03-2011, 05:22 AM

Even easier:

Code:

read variable <file

read takes in one line (or substring as defined by -d or -n) each time it's run. Used in a loop it will cycle through the file, but since we're only launching it once, you get only the first line.

You can also use multiple variables or -a to capture the individual words in the line.

More on using read here:
http://mywiki.wooledge.org/BashFAQ/001

Edit: To capture the output of a command, use a process substitution.

Code:

read variable < <( commands )

Passmossis · 11-03-2011, 06:57 AM

I'm sure I'll be able to put that to you as well, thanks David the H!