bash script test file operators...

bulliver · 10-16-2003, 09:44 PM

I am reading my gentoo init scripts, and in the one for hdparm I see this construct quite a few times:

Code:

if [ -n "${all_args}" ]

Neither the advanced bash sripting guide nor the manpage for 'test' have any reference to an "-n" operator.

Can anyone tell me what it is testing for?

megaspaz · 10-16-2003, 10:22 PM

-n tests for is string is not null. it's actually in the advanced bash scripting guide under string comparisons.

bulliver · 10-16-2003, 11:08 PM

Jeez...sorry, guess I should have turned the page (so to speak..)

Thanks...

Hko · 10-17-2003, 12:06 PM

It actually is in "man test" as well. When you search for -n the first hit gets you there....