UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

Hi there,

I'm having some trouble with a script were I want 2 expressions to evaluate to true before my if loop will continue...

if [ `echo $line|grep "string"` -a $var -eq 1 ] ; then

Both these expressions work on their own, but not when combined. What am I doing wrong?

Regards
davewg

What error did you get? Maybe try this:

Code:

if [[ `echo $line|grep "string"` && $var -eq 1 ]] ; then

what's an "if loop"?

`echo $line|grep "string"`
what are you trying to check here?
the above command will return a value. Its not a condition.
Are you trying to check " if $line has value string or $var equal to 1"
If this is the case check status of the above command and use that as a condition in IF statement.
echo $line|grep "string"
cmd_status=$?
if [ cmd_status -eq 0 -a $var -eq 1 ] ; then

Hi, I was getting 'too many arguments' error message, but your recomendation works a treat! Thanks for your help

Hi, thanks for your response, that's really helpful. This is the 'UNIX for Dummies' forum - "All UNIX and Linux newbies welcome" - hence there perhaps be a slight lack of understanding of everything unix related, and perhaps even sometimes, the occasional gramatical mistake or ommition when posting a thread requesting help. I would assume this is to be expected, and really clever, cool people like you would overlook such minor oversights and simply offer the help and assistance us newbies are requesting with your vastly superior knowledge that inevitably makes you such a big hit with the ladies.

I wish I was like you.

This is perfectly understood and expected.
BTW, there's no need to reveal my personal secrets in public!