How to convert a single column into several rows and columns?

ashton_smith · #1 (**permalink**) 05-23-2008

I have a program which gives me the output as a single column with hundreds of rows like:

213
314
324
324
123

I want to be able to create a new file from this file which allows me to set the number of rows and columns in the new file, i.e. for this example, if I specify 3 rows and 2 columns, the output should look like

213 314
324 324
123

Is it possible to do this in Unix or using a pearl script?

Thank You,
Ashton.

Franklin52 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-24-2008

This should give the desired output:

Code:

#!/bin/sh

rows=3
cols=2

awk -v r=$rows -v c=$cols '
NR<r*c{printf("%s",NR%c?$0" ":$0"\n");next}{print}
END{if(NR%c&&NR<r*c){print ""}}' file

If you get errors use nawk or /usr/xpg4/bin/awk on Solaris.

Regards

drl · #3 (**permalink**) 05-24-2008

Hi.

See elsewhere on this site (the scripting forum) for a solution using paste.

You can also use pr with a few options:

Code:

#!/bin/bash -

# @(#) s2       Demonstrate column formatting.

echo
echo "(Versions displayed with local utility \"version\")"
version >/dev/null 2>&1 && version =o $(_eat $0 $1) pr
echo

FILE=${1-data1}

pr -a -t -s" " -2 $FILE

exit 0

producing:

Code:

$ ./s2

(Versions displayed with local utility "version")
SunOS 5.10
GNU bash 3.00.16
pr - no version provided for /usr/xpg4/bin/pr.

213 314
324 324
123

See man pages for details ... cheers, drl

Franklin52 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-24-2008

drl,

If I understand the question, the OP should be able to specify the number of lines and columns.

Regards

drl · #5 (**permalink**) 05-24-2008

Hi, Franklin52.

I allowed the data to determine the number of lines for a given number of columns -- does a general solution exist that allows both to be specified? I can't think of one off the top of my head. What should a solution do for data that exceeds rows X columns items of data?

If a specific number of lines needs to be specified with pr, paste, etc., say in the case of a limitation, then another tool could be used for that, either before or after formatting into columns... cheers, drl

Franklin52 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-24-2008

The OP can give the answers if he clarifies why he needs to specify the columns and rows to convert his file.

Regards

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