to check if file is empty or not and return a non zero value

mavesum · #1 (**permalink**) 11-21-2008

Hi All,

I am new to unix worldd .

I need to check a file1 if its empty or not.

If its empty then return a non zero value say 99

could you pls let me know the perl script for this.

jim mcnamara · #2 (**permalink**) 11-22-2008

The shell does it - normal return values are: zero == true anything else == false

Code:

#one way
if [[ -s filename ]] ; then
      echo "filename exists and is > 0 bytes"
else
      echo "filename does not exist or is zero length"
fi
# another way
if [[ -f filename ]] ; then
      if [[ -s filename ]] ; then
             echo "filename exists and is > zero"
      else
             echo "filename exists and == zero "
      fi
else
      echo "filename does not exist"
fi

Konerak · #3 (**permalink**) 11-22-2008

Jims answer will work. If you want the exitcode to be 99, just add the instruction "exit 99" where you want it.

More UNIX and Linux Forum Topics You Might Find Helpful
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
check if file is empty	stolz	Shell Programming and Scripting	8	03-22-2009 11:15 PM
How to check if a file is empty?	shreekrishnagd	UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers	1	09-09-2008 08:21 AM
How to check for empty file in Perl?	deepakwins	UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers	1	03-04-2008 03:00 PM
Check for empty string	rahman_riyaz	Shell Programming and Scripting	12	01-24-2008 03:13 AM
How can I make the for command check to see if a file is empty before executing?	chrchcol	Shell Programming and Scripting	3	07-29-2006 03:14 AM

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


	Powered by