..using . operator

[patnim17]

I have a script called jvmEnv.sh, which sets the environment variables. The problem is when I just execute it, the variables are not set..but when I execute it with a . (dot)
like this:

/home:>. jvmEnv.sh (as opposed to just jvmEnv.sh)

it works fine...so my question is what is "." doing here?

newbie..to unix
patnim17

 

[PHV]

The (dot) command reads and executes commands inside the current shell (instead of spawn a new instance of the shell)

Hope This Helps, PH.
Want to get great answers to your Tek-Tips questions? Have a look at FAQ219-2884 or FAQ181-2886

 

[Ogzilal]

Hi,

That is what is called 'to source a script' in some unix papers.

In linux there is a command called 'source' that acts exactly as '.' operator.

Ali

 

[ZaSter]

The dot operator or the "source" command executes the commands in the script as if you had entered them on your command line in your current window. That's one reason not to have the command "exit" in scripts that you intend to "source" unless you really want to exit your current window.

 

[PHV]

Bottom line: man yoursh

Hope This Helps, PH.
Want to get great answers to your Tek-Tips questions? Have a look at FAQ219-2884 or FAQ181-2886

 

[vgersh99]

Bottom line: man yoursh

$ man yoursh
No manual entry for yoursh.

vlad
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