UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

Some simple questions from a simple man.

If i wanted to count the number of files contained within a directory, say /tmp would ls -l /tmp ¦ wc -l suffice and will it be accurate?

second one: How would i check the number of files with a certain string in the filename, in the same directory.

Appolgies if this has been answered before, i've been unable to find any posts.

Regards,

Al

ls -l /tmp | wc -l would count files, directories, and also the line that displays the total size of the listing.

The best way is
ls -1 /tmp | wc -l (ls -number_one) although this still shows directories too.

If you just want a count of files (including soft links, etc)....

echo "`ls -l | grep -v "^d" | wc -l` - 1" | bc

You can grep -v out stuff you don't want.

On the second question....

ls /my/dir/*some_string* | wc -l

Or to use regular expressions instead of globbing

ls /my/dir | grep "some_[Ss]tring" | wc -l

Many ways to skin these cats.....

Cheers
ZB

Great, thanks, i had a feeling i was going wrong somewhere, excellent reply and really helpful.

regards,

Al