[comp.sys.apollo] Simple Csh question

Topper@cup.portal.com (scott andrew marr) (03/08/89)

Could someone tell me why the following alias doesn't work:
	alias rm "mv $* /user/myname/dumpster"
If I type 'rm specific_file_name' I get:
	mv: specific_file_name exists
Or if I type 'rm *' I get:
	Usage: mv [-f] f1 ... fn d1
Is this just a fluke for Domain IX (S.R. 9.7)?

		Thanks!
/---------------------------------------------------------\
|  Scott Marr               |                             |
|                           |     "Birds are weird...."   |
|  topper@cup.portal.com    |                             |
\---------------------------------------------------------/

GBOPOLY1@NUSVM.BITNET (fclim) (03/10/89)

     In article <15510@cup.portal.com>, Scott Andrew Marr ask
         Could someone tell me why the following alias doesn't work:
                alias rm "mv $* /user/myname/dumpster"
         If I type 'rm specific_file_name' I get:
                mv: specific_file_name exists
         Or if I type 'rm *' I get:
                Usage: mv [-f] f1 ... fn d1
         Is this just a fluke for Domain IX (S.R. 9.7)?

The $* metacharacter is only valid in a Csh script.  The aliasing
mechanism does not substitite $* with the arguments you supplied.
You should use !* (in case my mailer maps these differently,
these 3 characters are <BACK-SLASH> <BANG> <STAR>).  The  is
to quote the !.

There is a pd program in comp.sources.unix called unrm.rm that does
what you have in mind.

fclim.  :-)

fclim          --- gbopoly1 % nusvm.bitnet @ cunyvm.cuny.edu
computer centre
singapore polytechnic
dover road
singapore 0513.

Topper@cup.portal.com (scott andrew marr) (03/11/89)

Thanks to all those who responded to my question.  For those who are 
interested, the proper syntax form my alias is:
	alias rm 'mv \!* /user/c684955/dumpster'
The purpose of this alias is to move files to a 'trash can' instead of
actually erasing them.  I then have cron come around once a day and erase
those files in the trash can that are over three days old.  The crontab
entry to do this is:
	45 16 ** 1-5 find /user/c684955/dumpster -mtime +3 -exec /bin/rm {} \;


     /---------------------------------------------------------\
     |  Scott Marr               |                             |
     |                           |     "Birds are weird...."   |
     |  topper@cup.portal.com    |                             |
     \---------------------------------------------------------/