How can run a DOS command inside a perl script..Plz help! 1

[ejaj]

Hi

I am recently facing a strange problem while trying to execute a dos command in my perl script. For example
if I want to copy a file from a soure to a desitnation, it cant find that file. Eg.


$test=`copy C:\project\test\saves\output.txt D:\project\test\`;
print "$test\n";
#c:\project\term\test1.pl#

After executing the script, it gives me the print out at STDOUT as
"The system cannot find the indicated file"

But, when i use the dos command in a command window, the copy command executes.
i even try writing like
system(`copy C:\project\test\saves\output.txt D:\project\test\`);
...

But the msg is same along with some number like 256 is printed on STDOUT.

I dont understand the reason. The file name and paths are also correct.
I will be grateful, if any1 can give me a solution of this weired problem.
Thanks.

Ejaj

 

[Grant]

Hi ejaj,

I realize this does not answer the question as to why the dos copy command is failing when using the backtick technique, but if you are only interested in copying files, perhaps you might try File::Copy. If you are using ActiveState Perl, it should be included.

use File::Copy;
copy("file1","file2"


Hope this helps,
Grant.

 

[PaulTEG]

Have you tried;
$test=`copy C:\\project\\test\\saves\\output.txt D:\\project\\test\\output.txt`;
print "$test\n";
#c:\project\term\test1.pl#

Don't know about DOS, but NT used to chuck weird stuff with Perl

 

[Grant]

Good point PaulTEG!

Grant.

 

[ejaj]

It worked!.. Thank you both PaulTEG & Grant. It was really a nice help.

Ejaj

 

[dulux]

You could also have tried

$test=`copy C:/project/test/saves/output.txt D:/project/test/output.txt`;
print "$test\n";
#c:/project/term/test1.pl#

Just a little easier on the eye...