another simple unix scripting question! storing values in variables
Linux - NewbieThis Linux forum is for members that are new to Linux.
Just starting out and have a question?
If it is not in the man pages or the how-to's this is the place!
Notices
Welcome to LinuxQuestions.org, a friendly and active Linux Community.
You are currently viewing LQ as a guest. By joining our community you will have the ability to post topics, receive our newsletter, use the advanced search, subscribe to threads and access many other special features. Registration is quick, simple and absolutely free. Join our community today!
Note that registered members see fewer ads, and ContentLink is completely disabled once you log in.
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us. If you need to reset your password, click here.
Having a problem logging in? Please visit this page to clear all LQ-related cookies.
Introduction to Linux - A Hands on Guide
This guide was created as an overview of the Linux Operating System, geared toward new users as an exploration tour and getting started guide, with exercises at the end of each chapter.
For more advanced trainees it can be a desktop reference, and a collection of the base knowledge needed to proceed with system and network administration. This book contains many real life examples derived from the author's experience as a Linux system and network administrator, trainer and consultant. They hope these examples will help you to get a better understanding of the Linux system and that you feel encouraged to try out things on your own.
Click Here to receive this Complete Guide absolutely free.
I do appreciate both of you for your kind response, and pwc is the winner this time!! pwc's method worked.
m0rg's method stores "cat file|wc -l" the command into the variable. The content of the variable becomes the "cat file|wc -l" not the result of the command.
Also,
Code:
result=$(cat file|wc -l)
is better than
Code:
result=$(wc -l file)
cat file|wc -l will save 7 into the variable, and wc -l file will save "7 file" into the variable
Last edited by christianunix; 10-30-2007 at 01:58 PM.
cat file|wc -l will save 7 into the variable, and wc -l file will save "7 file" into the variable
In which case, to avoid using a cat command (which can take a very long time on its own), it's better to use the < redirect, which has the parallel advantages of avoiding the filename becoming part of the output and the unnecessary use of cat:
Code:
RESULT=$(wc -l < file)
Also, make sure you use backticks (on my keyboard it's the key above the tab key) _not_ apostrophes or quotes. Backticks have exactly the same effect as $().
LinuxQuestions.org is looking for people interested in writing
Editorials, Articles, Reviews, and more. If you'd like to contribute
content, let us know.