Case vs array

Shell Programming and Scripting
1

Hi Gurus,

Is there a way to replace case -- esac with an array

while [ 1 ] ; do
      read key_press ;
      case $key_press in
      p|P)
          fun_P
        ;;
      t|T)
          fun_T
        ;;
      l|L)
         fun_L
        ;;
      *)
        fun_Misc
        ;;
      esac
    done

I want to replace case with an array...

Jagpreet

2

You can use associative array functionality of bash, not sure which version supports it, mine is 4.2.25

declare -A choice
choice[p]=fun_P
choice[P]=fun_P

read key_press
eval ${choice[$key_press]}

Assuming fun_P is a valid function defined.

HTH

--ahamed

3

thanks for reply ahamed.

first of all bash version

GNU bash, version 3.00.16(1)-release (sparc-sun-solaris2.10)

After assigning all the array fields.

whatever keypress entered it takes last choice.

I changed sequence as well, it takes the last assigned key to array for execution.

choice[a]=fun_a
choice=fun_b
choice[c]=fun_c

now at any key press it executes fun_c

one more point.. how do I take care of * case

case
*)
fun_misc

jagpreet

4

You need to look up the bash man page in your system if it supports. Also check typeset.
Other option is to use the ascii/decimal value of the choice character as the index of a normal array.

Sorry I dont have a solaris box at my disposal.

--ahamed

---------- Post updated at 11:52 PM ---------- Previous update was at 11:40 PM ----------

Something like this...

choice[$(printf "%d" "'P'")]=fun_P
choice[$(printf "%d" "'p'")]=fun_P

read key_press
eval ${choice[$(printf "%d" "'$key_press'")]}

As for default case, may be you should do a validation?

Smells like some sort of homework!

--ahamed

5

thanks again ahamed.

I could manage to make it work to some extent.....

Except how do I handle default case in here.
It can be used with *) in case - esac

I mean executing a function in case the input from user is anything else than what is assigned in array

---------- Post updated at 04:17 AM ---------- Previous update was at 04:01 AM ----------

Its done........

thanks ahamed for your help.......