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

jxh461 · #1 (**permalink**) 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 (**permalink**) 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 (**permalink**) 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 (**permalink**) 05-30-2007

>largefile

vgersh99 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-30-2007

Code:

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

vibhor_agarwali · #6 (**permalink**) 05-30-2007

cat /dev/null > largefile

vibhor_agarwali · #7 (**permalink**) 05-30-2007

set +o noclobber.

Then any of the above commands will work.

More UNIX and Linux Forum Topics You Might Find Helpful
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Removing empty folders using 'find'	deTTo	UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers	5	04-21-2008 06:24 PM
Removing empty folders using the "find" command	biot	UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers	3	03-25-2008 06:43 PM
File is not empty?	lesstjm	Shell Programming and Scripting	7	07-12-2007 07:21 AM
Removing empty spaces and adding commas	jazz	High Level Programming	4	11-13-2006 05:54 AM
empty file in hp-ux	Mizi	UNIX for Advanced & Expert Users	2	08-09-2006 03:29 AM

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode