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Path: utzoo!linus!vaxine!wjh12!genrad!decvax!harpo!ulysses!mhuxl!ihnp4!fortune!rpw3
From: rpw3@fortune.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.unix
Subject: Re: HELP! (What's wrong with this sh scr - (nf)
Message-ID: <3164@fortune.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 26-Apr-84 04:06:21 EST
Article-I.D.: fortune.3164
Posted: Thu Apr 26 04:06:21 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 27-Apr-84 08:37:55 EST
Sender: notes@fortune.UUCP
Organization: Fortune Systems, Redwood City, CA
Lines: 26

#R:eneevax:-11200:fortune:26900052:000:849
fortune!rpw3    Apr 25 23:31:00 1984

Re: X$var vs. "$var"

(*blush*)
Oops, seems I am exhibiting what has been called "programmer's superstition".

Back when I was learning the Shell for the first time, somebody
showed me the X$var style, and I learned it that way. Having
just tried null (but present) strings on both the "if" and the "case"
commands (yes, they work), I will probably cease this X-ing.

(Question for the net: Is there ANY time where X$var is preferable to "$var"?)

The person who originally demo'd to me was probably just a bit
lazy about typing the quotes (although X$var is not significantly
easier for me to type than "$var"). Or else HE learned it from
the person who taught him... ;-}

Rob Warnock

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