sorting within a variable

[columb]

I have a script which uses ssh to access a number of remote systems. There are a number of ways in which these systems can be chosen and I build up a list. Typically, at the end of the input stage the list might look like

echo $_boxes
40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 100 102 104 108 110 112

As you can see there are duplicate entries and they're not in order.
I tried

_boxes=$(echo _boxes | sort -un)

but sort sees this as one line with multiple fields and, as such, does nothing.

Is there a way to persuade sort to do what I want, or should I be trying something else.

On the internet no one knows you're a dog

Columb Healy

 

[feherke]

Hi

I know only a quite ugly way :

_boxes=$(echo [red]$[/red]_boxes [red]| tr ' ' '\n'[/red] | sort -un [red]| tr '\n' ' '[/red])

Feherke.

http://rootshell.be/~feherke/

 

[PHV]

what about this ?

_boxes=$(echo $_boxes | tr ' ' '\n' | sort -un)

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

 

[columb]

Feherke
One of my favourite quotes, I believe from Monsieur Citroen when testing his first gear box, is, if you'll excuse my poor French

C'est brutale, mais il marche

Thanks as ever


On the internet no one knows you're a dog

Columb Healy