How do you invoke unix command within awk

[mawk]

I have numerous files that need a fold -80 commmand performed for each file and then output to a new file_name for each file.

I would like to include the fold step within awk with the pipe command and fold options along with some other steps for each file.

Is this possible within the awk script?

 

[CaKiwi]

This may not be the best way to solve your problem but you can pipe the output of fold into getline.

while ("fold ..." | getline) {
...
}

CaKiwi

"I love mankind, it's people I can't stand" - Linus Van Pelt

 

[marsd]

Doesn't sound very practical with getline because of your usage. If all you want is to invoke fold with options and
then redirect the OP to another file I suggest system.

system("fold -80 " ARGV[1] " >" ARGV[2])