Error using function in AWK code

Shell Programming and Scripting
1

Hi to all,

I have an AWK code that looks like this:

awk 'NR==FNR
        {
        #code to process file1 
         next
        }
        {
        #code to process file2 
        a=myfunction(x)
        }
        END {
            #Some code
             b=myfunction(x)
             
            }'file1 file2

As you can see, I need to call at least one time myfunction() when NR !=FNR and inside END{} statement.

I don't know where is the correct place to insert the function within the AWK code. If I put the function code in the part
when NR==FNR I receive errors and when I put the function in the part when NR !=FNR I receive the same error.

The function is a recursive function and I receive this error.

awk: cmd. line:4: function recurse(number,   ret)
awk: cmd. line:4: ^ syntax error
awk: cmd. line:16: return ret
awk: cmd. line:16: ^ `return' used outside function context

Where is the correct place put the function code?

Many thanks in advance

2

Hi,

Try to use function definition in BEGIN block cos your code calls the function before function definition i think.
END block execute at the end right.

Cheers,
Ranga:)

3

Probably best to define function up front:

awk '
  function recurse(number,   ret) {
        # Some code
        return ret
  }
  NR==FNR {
        #code to process file1 
         next
  }
  {
        #code to process file2 
        a=myfunction(x)
  }
  END {
        #Some code
        b=myfunction(x)
 
  }'file1 file2
4

Hi rangarasan and Chubler,

Thanks for your reply.

I've tried both and Chubler's suggestion worked for me.

Many thanks for your help guys.

Regards