I want to learn to use the shell and was wondering why this d idn't do as expected

[Francois, Jean (J.L.)]

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Due to order of operation in the shell the ">" is
interpreted first and deletes the contents of the file mypasswd
before you get to the cat operation.

This tries to explain it:
http://infocom.cqu.edu.au/Units/aut99/85321/Resources/Print_Resources/Textbook/chap6/

I am sure Google would have something that explains it better.

JLF Sends...

--
Jean L. Francois - Linux Architect
Ciber, Inc.
FSIC - Ford Systems Integration Center
Office - 313-317-4378 ( Temporary )
Home   - 586-293-9081 ( Until April )
Cell   - 602-770-5531


-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Havens [mailto:bmike1@vei.net]
Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2003 3:25 PM
To: plug-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us
Subject: Re: I want to learn to use the shell and was wondering why this
didn't do as expected


On Thursday 20 February 2003 01:07 pm, Eric Andresen wrote:
> Try: cat mypasswd |sort

Why did my version (sort mypasswd >mypasswd |cat mypasswd) erase it?
-- 
:-)~Mike~(-:
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