[PLUG] Bash file test for multiple files

Michael Rasmussen michael at jamhome.us
Fri Feb 11 14:13:54 UTC 2011


Goal: to execute a block if one or more files exists

bash file test -e will tell you if a single file exists but
    if [ -e ~/Maildir/.aspambin/cur/* ]; then
will croak with "too many arguments" if there is more than one file


conversly a construct like
    for S in ~/Maildir/.aspambin/cur/*
will attempt to act on a file named * if the directory is empty.

So before I go convert this to Perl and for the learning

    What kind of bash/shell script contruct works on 0, 1, or more files?


-- 
      Michael Rasmussen, Portland Oregon  
  Trading kilograms for kilometers since 2003
    Be appropriate && Follow your curiosity
          http://www.jamhome.us/
The Fortune Cookie Fortune today is:
Steph, overwhelmed by the unfailing enthusiasm of Americans, covered
her face with her hands and moaned: "Oh, stop being so fucking cheerful!"
    ~ Cross country bike tourist Leo Woodland



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