Variable used to set a variable

[denisl]

Hi,
I'm trying to use a variable to initialize a new variable in a for loop. Is this possible? If not any other way in ksh to do this?

for x in main1 main2
do
${x}string1=$(grep string1 file1 | wc -l)
${x}string2=$(grep string2 file1 | wc -l)
done

The variables I was hoping to define are as follows:
$main1string1
$main1string2
$main2string1
$main2string2



Thanks, Denis

 

[PHV]

In your ksh man page have a look to the eval shell builtin.

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

 

[denisl]

PHV,
Thanks for you reply.

I don't see how the eval built in will help me.

How would I use eval?

Thanks, Denis

 

[Annihilannic]

eval makes the shell evaluate the command line twice, including parameter substitution, process substition, etc., e.g.:

#!/bin/ksh
for x in main1 main2
do
        eval ${x}string1='$(grep string1 file1 | wc -l)'
        eval ${x}string2='$(grep string2 file1 | wc -l)'
done

The first time it evaluates the command, the result is:

$main1string1=$(grep string1 file1 | wc -l)

Then the second time it evaluates as normal.

Annihilannic.