Print a file if it exists and rename it at the same time.

bhar0761 · 08-01-2005, 02:08 AM

I would like to write a script to print files in a directory if they exist and then rename them at the same time. This script will of course loop forever because new files are created all the time and i don't want to keep printing them.

One option i did look at would be to mv the files right after they print but if new files are created before they are printed, the move command will move them before they print.

B

ahh · 08-01-2005, 03:36 AM

Get the list of files first and store them in a variable, then no new files will be added when you rename then.

bhar0761 · 08-01-2005, 10:34 AM

Would I, set the variable like:
var1=$(ls -l)

B

ahh · 08-01-2005, 04:48 PM

After some consideration, I think this is a better way to do what you want.

Code:

find ./ * -type f -maxdepth 0 -exec print_command '{}' \; -exec  mv '{}' '{}'.printed \;

You'll have to replace "print_command" with whatever command you're using to print the files.
This will rename "file" to "file.printed" after it's been printed. Adjust to what you want. ('{}' is replaced with the file name when this is run).