AIX

Hi All,

I am working on a script which requires an input from user within one 1 min.

So if the user gives the required input within 1 min., it will execute on the basis of input provided by the user.Other wise it will execute on a default value(hard coded inside the script).


Now, I am able to hard code the default input, but I get stuck when I need to pass the input within 1 min.

I am not sure how to specify the time period within which it gets input from the user.If doesnot get the user input within 1 min, it executes on the default values.

May be I have to use sleep command in loop to get this done, but I am not sure at this moment.!!


Any body having any idea, how this can be done?
BTW, I am using AIX 5.3, working on k-shell.
Appreciate ur efforts.
Regards,
raj.

The read command in KSH has a switch to define a timeout (-t). Example usage:

Code:

echo "Input (timeout 10 seconds):"
read -t 10 userinput
if [ $? -ne 0 ]
then
    echo "Using default value"
else
    echo "Using user input"
fi

Thank Pludi for quick answer.

But looks like AIX 5.3 doesnot seem to have this switch.Is there any other way.

Appreiciate ur help.
Regards,
Raj.

use #!/bin/ksh93 instead of #!/bin/ksh

I have named the script as delay.sh and It gives the following error.

Code:

Error:
bsd:dir1/users/usename/Files>sh delay.sh
Input (timeout 10 seconds):
delay.sh[3]: read: 0403-010 A specified flag is not valid for this command.
Using default value

How can I fix the error?
Regards,
raj.

It works when I run the script as ksh93 delay.sh.
I waits for 10 seconds... and in the mean time user gives input....It proceeds on the basis of that else i takes default value.

Thanks a lot for ur help.Appreciate ur effort and time.
Cheers
raj.

---------- Post updated at 02:46 AM ---------- Previous update was at 02:23 AM ----------



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I tested ur code. Its nice. How ever after entering the user input I have to hit
"ENTER" button. Is there way can remove the need of entering "Enter Key"?


Thanks a lot.
raj

If you don't hit enter, how is read supposed to know that all input has been read?

If u want to catch only some number of characters (i.e. only 2 or only 5 characters need to be entered and than your standard input should be disabled) than I have perl code if u have perl installed in your machine.