Determining type of file

Hello,

I'm attempting to modify a script so it can be executed via a batch scheduler. Part of the script calls a program called direct (which I believe may have something to do with Connect Direct). I have tried cat and vi on the file; cat returns absolute gibberish, vi states the file is executable.

I need to know the purpose of the program (it's inputs/outputs) and any parameters it requires. Short of running it (it's on a live server) is there a way of finding out what type of program it is so I can view the code?

Any help would be appreciated!

i think you need the "file" command

# file myfile

check the man page of file.

Thanks Ghostdog - exactly what I was after!

J.