Shell Programming and Scripting

If I can use the "do" statement, how would I phrase it? I tried the do command in a simple script. It doesn't work.

print -n "Y/N "
read ans
if [ ans = Y ]; do
my_function
else
echo "NOT TRUE"
fi

my_function () {
echo "INSIDE MY FUNCTION"
}

I get the error
./test[4]: 0403-057 Syntax error at line 5 : `do' is not expected.

if [ $ans = Y ] ; then

If I do that, would it come back to where it was after execution of the paragraph like a "do" statement? I really would like to do something like a "perform" statement in cobol.

Thank you.
Latha

Cobol's perform statement can do a lot. But invoking a function in ksh would be very close to "perform my_function." in cobol.

That function Optimus_P posted is legal, but it really should have a "return 0" as the last statement. But even without a return, you come back when the function is finished. Invoking a function is close to invoking another shell script.

When I tried the "do" statement, I received an error message.
What is the right way of coding a function? I am going to Barnes & Nobles today to look for a korn shell book, but in the mean time can you give me a hint?

Thank you.
Latha

Code:

#! /usr/bin/ksh
my_function () {
     echo "INSIDE MY FUNCTION"
     return 0
}

print -n "Y/N "
read ans
if [ $ans = Y ]; then
      my_function
else
      echo "NOT TRUE"
fi

echo  approaching the end of the script
my_function
exit 0

The return and the exit are not strictly needed, but when you ask me, you get it my way. Also I to make sure that you realize that you can invoke a function anywhere, not just inside an "if" statement. So I put in a 2nd call.

Thanks so much. I tried it and it works fine. I am getting a Korn Shell book (Possibly by O'Reilly) in a few days (when it has to go thru purchasing dept, it might take a few days). I have put in my request.

Thank you for explaining the second call. I understand what you did there. It is nice to know that you can call a function from different spots of a script. That will come in handy for me as well.

This site is just great, and people are willing to help. I can't thank you enough.

Latha