[SOLVED] insert prompt command

udiubu · 06-28-2012, 10:42 AM

Dear all,

I have a shell script that produces some certain txt files according to the input.txt file I give in. So far, I insert every time the new input.txt filename into the shell, save the script and run it:

awk .... input.txt > output.txt

Is there a way to make the script asking me to write down which input file I would like to use?

Any suggestions, or references, would be highly appreciated!

Have a nice day,

Udiubu

montel · 06-28-2012, 11:10 AM

You can use the read command

Code:

echo "what is the name of the input text file?"
read in

awk... $in > output.txt

Nylex · 06-28-2012, 11:22 AM

You can also pass command line arguments to the script. Look at this. Specifically, you want "4. Introduction to Variables and Parameters", then go to section 4.4 and look for "Positional parameters". The whole guide is good, in general.

udiubu · 07-03-2012, 10:20 AM

Thanks to both of you!

Best,

Udiubu

David the H. · 07-03-2012, 10:43 AM

It would've helped more if you'd posted the actual script (or at least relevant parts of it). We'd likely be able to give you specific fixes.

BTW, assuming it's a bash script, try adding the "-e" option to read. This will enable all the readline editing functions, including tab completion. It makes entering filenames much easier.