If condition syntax help 1

[simpson]

All,

I have a simple if statement that I am trying to get to work and my quotes adn brackets are not working. I know someone will think I am struggling with a simple thing but sometimes you have ask for help
--------cut------------
if `file $file_name | grep ascii`
then
echo "ASCII"
else
echo "Not ASCII"
fi
-------cut-------------

I can never get this to work, it always comes back false or syntax error depending on how I write the if.

Thanks in advace.

 

[PHV]

You may try this:

if [ "`file $file_name | grep ascii`" ]

Hope This Helps, PH.
FAQ219-2884
FAQ181-2886

 

[SamBones]

This doesn't use an "[tt]if[/tt]", but it does the same thing...

file $filename | grep -q ASCII && echo "ASCII" || echo "Not ASCII"

Tested in BASH and KSH.

 

[simpson]

Thanks to both of you. greatly appreciated.