shell script structure 1

[boomer1974]

Hi all,

I am just getting into shell scripting (korn) and have noticed that many scripts that include menu's have the menu at the end of the script or that the "main processing" is often at the end of the script. I am more familiar with vba and c++, neither of which typically use this structure. Does anyone have any documentation on this, or could someone provide any insight into the way scripts are executed that may explain the reason scripts are written in this way.

Many thanks,
Ryan

 

[PHV]

man ksh

Hope This Helps, PH.
Want to get great answers to your Tek-Tips questions? Have a look at FAQ219-2884 or FAQ222-2244

 

[KenCunningham]

Also

http://www.shelldorado.com

has some do's and don'ts you might find useful.

 

[Mike042]

Hi Ryan,

A two or three day "scripting course" would probably only just about answer your questions. Basically a script runs from top to bottom, but doesn't run the functions until they are called (so they can be declared anywhere). It sounds like you are describing a menu (maybe a "case" structure) that calls functions from each option, thus making it easier to read (and debug). I suppose it is an attempt to "modularise" the script.
Personally this is the structure I tend to adopt for scripts. I expect every script writer would have their preferences, this is mine.

Headerblock
Environmental & other variable declarations, etc
Functions
Main body of the script

I hope that helps you.

Mike

 

[boomer1974]

Thanks to all for replying, it's all starting to come together now, slowly but surely.

Ryan