[SOLVED] Using an alias or function without the newline?

gctaylor1 · 05-01-2010, 07:48 PM

I want to create an alias or function that when used prints something like this on the command line so I can further modify it before pressing enter myself.

Code:

$ FILE=exercise1; cc -o $FILE $FILE.c && ./$FILE; FILE=

The idea is that I'm studying c and want to change the name of the file once instead of changing it three times for every compilation and run of the program.

Ideally, after the first execution, the up arrow would show the previous command instead of the alias or function so I don't have to reenter the filename every time. Only when I want to change it.

I've tried a bunch of things in aliases and functions but I don't know how to prevent the newline. My attempts always get printed and I'm back at the prompt and an up arrow(history) shows the previous alias or function, not the full command.

So I guess there's really two questions.

Thank-you for your time.

Solution:
I ended up using this:

Code:

function runc {
  eval cc -o $1 $1.c && ./$1
}

and then calling at the prompt with this:

Code:

$ runc test1
This is file test1

grail · 05-01-2010, 11:29 PM

Well assuming you are at the bash prompt, simply put FILE="$1" and then call your script with a single argument

David the H. · 05-02-2010, 12:41 AM

Perhaps something like this?

Code:

function runcommand {

# fetch old filename from temporary file
OLDNAME="$(<oldname.txt)"

# prompt to confirm or modify old filename
read -e -p "New file name: " -i "$OLDNAME" FILE

# update temp file
echo "$FILE" >oldname.txt

# verify command to run and edit if necessary.
echo
read -e -p "Command to run: " -i "cc -o $FILE $FILE.c && ./$FILE; FILE=" COMMAND

#run final command
eval "$COMMAND"
}

grail · 05-02-2010, 01:53 AM

Yes this will work although I would have opted for the one liner:

Code:

eval "cc -o $1 $1.c && ./$1"

Yours is probably better suited if it is to go in a larger script.