alias within a script

lordofring · 03-06-2006, 12:54 PM

Hello,

I have several aliases need to set. So I put them in a script. After running the script, there is no alias is defined. Could any one tell me why?

the script alias_in_script:

Code:

#!/bin/sh

alias myecho="echo me"

Then, I ran it.

Code:

/usr # ./alias_in_script
/usr # myecho
/bin/sh: myecho: not found

theNbomr · 03-06-2006, 01:25 PM

When you 'run' a script, a new shell is launched, in which to run the script. The environment modifications, aliases, etc. do not pass up to the parent shell process. Moreover, the child shell process terminates, and all of it's changes are lost.

Most likely, what you really want to do is

Code:

source ./alias_in_script

This has the same effect as if you were typing everything that is in the script. It occurs in the shell that you are using, hence that changes you make are not lost.

--- rod.

lordofring · 03-06-2006, 01:29 PM

You are correct. Thanks, rod. source works fine on my fc3. But the other linux box with busybox 1.00pre9 does not have source. Is there any other solution?

lordofring

theNbomr · 03-06-2006, 01:57 PM

'source' is a command built into most shells. If I recall correctly, busybox is either a distro with a minimalistic shell, or it is a minimal functionality shell. In some shells, the '.' command is an alias for 'source'. Otherwise, you will have to RTFM for your particular shell.

--- rod.

lordofring · 03-06-2006, 02:49 PM

Excellent answer. The "." command works for me. Thank you very much.

lordofring