re: how do I open file from command line

ergo_sum · 10-29-2003, 09:12 AM

Oh the shame of it!!

How do I open grub.conf from the command line? I know how to cd there (cd /etc), but don't know how to open the file from the prompt. Too dependent on gui.

Thanks,

ergo_sum

aus9 · 10-29-2003, 09:14 AM

i use mdk, to read but not edit

cat /directory/filename

to edit read the vim tutorial or man vim etc

vim /directory/filename

anon237 · 10-29-2003, 09:15 AM

You need to use an editor like vi, emacs,joe, jove (there are plenty)

General syntax (vi can be substituted with any editor you choose):

$ vi <file-to-edit>

lenlutz · 10-29-2003, 09:45 AM

if you only need to VIEW the file
theres more (may be linked to pg too)

more file_name

ergo_sum · 10-29-2003, 10:32 AM

Thanks all.

ergo_sum

ergo_sum · 10-29-2003, 10:33 AM

PS:

Can I edit a file through 'cat'?
Command line access was because I had to su to get there, and I didn't want to log-off and then log-on as root.

ergo_sum

slakmagik · 10-29-2003, 11:23 AM

Yeah - cat > file
then just type until done and hit ctrl-d. And I'd use less to view it because, well, less is more.

Not sure I followed the last bit, but you can launch an X app as root from an xterm.

-- Duh - you can *create* a file with cat. To edit it, you'd have to use ed or sed. *g*

anon237 · 10-29-2003, 11:35 AM

One small other nitpick:

cat > file => creates the file or overwrites, so you always start with a empty file.

cat >> file => append to file or create if it doesn't excists.