How to empty a file without removing it. - UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

jxh461 · #1 05-30-2007

I used to be able to do the following command on HP while largefile was being written to.

> echo " " > largefile

When I try the same on Solaris I get a message that the file already exists.

Is there a parameter that I need to setup in my env ?

Thanks in advance

Shell_Life · #2 05-30-2007

Jxh461,
There is an option in the "set" command that controls the truncation of files.
The following does not allow files to be truncated:

Code:

set -o noclobber

jxh461 · #3 05-30-2007

Thanks for that info Shell. However, I am not sure if that is the cause of my problem. In any case how would I unset it if it were ?

suparnbector · #4 05-30-2007

>largefile

vgersh99 · #5 05-30-2007

Code:

echo '' >| largefile
# OR more simply
>| largefile

vibhor_agarwali · #6 05-30-2007

cat /dev/null > largefile

vibhor_agarwali · #7 05-30-2007

set +o noclobber.

Then any of the above commands will work.

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