On Mon, 2009-03-30 at 13:33 -0500, Justin Willmert wrote: > Craig White wrote: > > I'm in my bash book and looking on web but can't seem to resolve this > > simple problem. > > > > $ if [ -n "grep A121 myfile.csv" ]; then echo "null"; fi > > null > > > > $ if [ -n "grep A125 myfile.csv" ]; then echo "null"; fi > > null > > > > A125 definitely is null when I just run the grep command in the quotes > > but A121 definitely is not null. > > > > What am I missing on the if/null operator here? > > > > Craig > > > Have you tried > $ if [ -n $(grep A121 myfile.csv) ]; then echo "null"; fi > $ if [ -n $(grep A125 myfile.csv) ]; then echo "null"; fi > > The double quotes make a string, but it looks like you which to be > executing grep which is accomplished by using the $() notation. You > could also use a pair of backticks surrounding the command. ---- I started with backticks... $ if [ -n `grep A125 ARdebtorsmaster.csv` ]; then echo "null"; fi null $ if [ -n `grep A121 ARdebtorsmaster.csv` ]; then echo "null"; fi bash: [: too many arguments which interestingly is also the same problem that I get with your first suggestion... $ if [ -n $(grep A125 ARdebtorsmaster.csv) ]; then echo "null"; fi null $ if [ -n $(grep A121 ARdebtorsmaster.csv) ]; then echo "null"; fi bash: [: too many arguments and then of course, light bulb goes off...I have to figure out how to get a basic exit code from grep, but seemingly the -s and the -q aren't the answer. Craig -- fedora-list mailing list fedora-list@xxxxxxxxxx To unsubscribe: https://www.redhat.com/mailman/listinfo/fedora-list Guidelines: http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Communicate/MailingListGuidelines
