Unix grep/test command

netmaster · #1 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007

Hello, i have a script which checks if the user entered 8 numeric characters in the form of YYYYMMDD (birth date). If the user entered any non numeric characters, an error will be displayed:

Code:


# Check to see if the 8 characters are all numbers
# If not show error essage
# And prompt user for more input

         echo $char | grep -q '^[0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9][0-9]$'  
if 	[ $? -ne 0 ]
then
         echo "You have entered non-numeric values.  Please type in the form of YYYYMMDD"
	read char
        continue

Is there a simpler way to write this command without using the [0-9] value for each field? Any help would be appreciated

robotronic · #2 (**permalink**) 10-09-2007

On Solaris you can use:

Code:

echo "12345678" | /usr/xpg4/bin/grep -Eq "^[0-9]{8}$"

In any case, you must use a tool which supports extended regular expressions to use the above regex.

Other UNIX.COM Threads You Might Find Helpful
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
TEST command	amatuer_lee_3	Shell Programming and Scripting	4	05-09-2008 04:36 AM
Using grep in a test/if statement	cbo0485	Shell Programming and Scripting	4	03-20-2008 08:29 PM
Test command	JWilliams	AIX	2	12-03-2007 10:53 PM
the TEST command	marwan	UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers	2	04-23-2007 03:51 PM
unix grep command	pmsuper	Shell Programming and Scripting	1	09-18-2006 11:06 PM

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