variable not inserted as filename

freeBatjko · #1 (**permalink**) 01-15-09, 05:55

Hi folks.

I ran into a problem with trying to create a filename in a ksh script (on SunOS 5.9), which has a variable at the beginning.

Like this:

Code:

myvar=Hoppla
cp original_file.log $myvar_copy.log

The resulting filename is then:

Quote:

_copy.log

However, this works:

Code:

myvar=Hoppla
cp original_file.log copy_$myvar.log

Resulting filename now:

Quote:

copy_Hoppla.log

I noticed the same issue also when redirecting output to a file this way:

Code:

myvar=Hoppla
echo "Test" > $myvar_testfile.log

Result:

Quote:

_testfile.log

What's the deal with the position of the parameter?

mike_bike_kite · #2 (**permalink**) 01-15-09, 07:26

Code:

myvar=Hoppla
cp original_file.log $myvar_copy.log

The shell is looking for a variable called myvar_copy and can't find it so you're getting wierd results. I suggest you use {} around your variables to make things clearer ie

Code:

myvar=Hoppla
cp original_file.log ${myvar}_copy.log

freeBatjko · #3 (**permalink**) 01-15-09, 07:49

Ah, of course.... That's just me being a noob, like always.
Thanks for feeding the noob, mike.

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