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How to empty a file without removing it.

 
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Top Forums UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers How to empty a file without removing it.
# 1  
Old 05-30-2007
How to empty a file without removing it.
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
Last edited by jxh461; 05-30-2007 at 10:12 PM..
# 2  
Old 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

# 3  
Old 05-31-2007
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 ?
# 4  
Old 05-31-2007
try this
>largefile
# 5  
Old 05-31-2007
Code:
echo '' >| largefile
# OR more simply
>| largefile

# 6  
Old 05-31-2007
cat /dev/null > largefile
# 7  
Old 05-31-2007
set +o noclobber. Smilie


Then any of the above commands will work.
 
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