Stretching bash scripting too far?

[QwUo173Hy]

I've made a script which performs an action based on a string's content. The string is assigned based on the returned value of a command line application.

But on comparison, the script exits if the string contains special characters. My question is, have I gone beyond the scope of bash scripting? Or do I just need to learn more about it. Here's the script:


#! /bin/sh
dropbox start

status=$(dropbox status)

while test $status != 'Idle'
do
echo "Working"
status=$(dropbox status)
done

echo "\nIdle again.. exiting"
dropbox stop


The command 'dropbox status' can return either:
"Idle" or Uploading 1 file (102.8 KB/sec, 1 min left)" and I think it's the latter that is causing the crashing.

[diesch]

Use


while test "$status" != 'Idle'

instead of


while test $status != 'Idle'

In general it's a good idea to always quote variables in shell code as long as you have a good reason to not quote them.

[QwUo173Hy]

Thanks diesch, that works perfectly now. I've downloaded the Advanced Bash Scripting (ABS) guide so hopefully I can learn more about these kind of things from there.

[QwUo173Hy]

Just to let you know, I've credited you for your help here:
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1321847

Thanks again.

[phrostbyte]

It looks like you are polling 'dropbox status' in an infinite loop. Are you sure this is the best way to do it? I would at least put a 'sleep 2' in the loop somewhere.

[QwUo173Hy]

Practically speaking, it seems to work fine. But I think you're correct - it's a bit excessive.

From what I remember, when I was testing, the status of Dropbox could change quickly and I needed to catch that 'Idle' before it changed to yet another state so it may have been necessary.

But I think it would be healthier to take your advice. I'll test it out. Thanks phrostbyte ;)