preece@ccvaxa.UUCP (10/21/85)
> ... the [ condition ] construct saves only one keystroke at the > expense of readability. E.g.: > > if test -f "$1" <= 15 keystrokes + <CR> > vs. > if [ -f "$1" ] <= 14 keystrokes + <CR> > > Which is more readable? Note that the spaces around [] are MANDATORY. > /* Written 9:57 am Oct 15, 1985 by carl@bdaemon.UUCP in > ccvaxa:net.unix-wizards */ ---------- Well, readability is very much in the eye of the beholder. I much prefer the second form, which I gather you think is less readable. The test part is bracketed. The syntax is closer to C. The word "test" has been turned into a symbol, which is generally a good thing [flamers please note and respect that "generally"]. Now, if you wanted to substitute words for the test names, I'd be right with you. "-f" doesn't suggest anything to me... -- scott preece gould/csd - urbana ihnp4!uiucdcs!ccvaxa!preece