How do I insert a line in the middle of a file in BASH?

phenom · #1 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008

I have tried

sed '/6/a text_to_inserted' file > newfile

but this inserts test_to_insert at random places in file and i want it in specific location, which is line 6.

can anyone help....

danmero · #2 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008

This solution will insert the new line between 5th and 6th line.

Code:

sed '6i\
This is the new line
' file

a2156z · #3 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008

/usr/bin/ex - "$targfile" << _EOF_ 1>/dev/null 2>&1
${linenum_below}i
$source
.
wq!
_EOF_
if [[ $? -ne 0 ]]; then
# add error log here
fi

cfajohnson · #4 (**permalink**) 10-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by phenom

I have tried

sed '/6/a text_to_inserted' file > newfile

but this inserts test_to_insert at random places in file and i want it in specific location, which is line 6.

/6/ is a regular expression which matches the digit, 6. If you want line 6, leave out the slashes.
Code:
sed '6a\
text_to_insert
'

phenom · #5 (**permalink**) 10-09-2008

I have a $(whoami) in the line to be inserted and

sed '6a\
text_to_insert
'

is not recognizing it. it inserts $(whoami) instead of the username
any ideas??

cfajohnson · #6 (**permalink**) 10-09-2008

Substitution and expansion is not performed within single quotes.

phenom · #7 (**permalink**) 10-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfajohnson

Substitution and expansion is not performed within single quotes.

thanks johnson, much appreciate it

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