Writing output into a file via linux script?

Question

I have to write a script in linux that saves one line of text to a file and then appends a new line. What I currently have is something like:

read "This line will be saved to text." Text1
$Text1 > $Script.txt
read "This line will be appended to text." Text2
$Text2 >> $Script.txt

possible duplicate of Open and write data on text file by bash/shell scripting — that other guy
– that other guy, Commented Jun 8, 2015 at 3:33
In your output file, did you want to append content which is already on the second line, or overwrite whatever is already on the second line? — Andy J
– Andy J, Commented Jun 8, 2015 at 6:10
The output file is completely blank. The output simply needs to be Text1, with Text2 underneath it. — Matt Smith
– Matt Smith, Commented Jun 8, 2015 at 10:28
Matt, your script is fine: you just forgot to insert the command echo at the start of lines 2 and 4. — davidedb
– davidedb, Commented Jun 9, 2015 at 12:58

Zombo · Accepted Answer · 2015-06-08 03:43:47Z

0

One of the main benefits of scripting is that you can automate processes. Using read like you have destroys that. You can accept input from the user without losing automation:

#!/bin/sh
if [ "$#" != 3 ]
then
  echo 'script.sh [Text1] [Text2] [Script]'
  exit
fi
printf '%s\n' "$1" "$2" > "$3"

edited Jun 8, 2015 at 3:43

answered Jun 8, 2015 at 3:34

Zombo

1

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3 Comments

Matt Smith Over a year ago

All that does is output script.sh [Text1] [Text2] [Script] for me. I'm looking to save user input into a variable and then put that into a .dat file. Not really looking to automate much, just looking to complete this assignment as needed.

Zombo Over a year ago

@MattSmith this is perhaps not the right community for you. You clearly do not have even the most basic understanding of shell scripting

Matt Smith Over a year ago

Unfortunately, I have a class with a very subpar teacher, which leaves me to teach myself via what i can through assignments and books.

Andy J · Accepted Answer · 2015-06-08 06:15:04Z

0

Assuming you don't mind if the second line of your output file is overwritten (not appended) every time the script is run; this might do.

#!/bin/sh
output_file=output.dat
if [ -z "$1" ] || [ -z "$2" ]; then echo Need at least two arguments.; fi
line1=$1; line2=$2
echo $line1 > $output_file
echo $line2 >> $output_file

Executing the script:

# chmod +x foo.sh 
# ./foo.sh 
Need at least two arguments.
# ./foo.sh hello world
# cat output.dat 
hello
world

answered Jun 8, 2015 at 6:15

Andy J

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