How to pass variables to 3rd party unix menu?

Shell Programming and Scripting
1

Hello,
I was wondering if it is possible to pass data to a unix driven 3rd party menu. Changing the code is out of the question. I have a menu with various options and I would like a ksh to execute the menu and input the required fields. For example.

Main menu

  1. Company Name
  2. blah
  3. blah
  4. commit
  5. exit
    > 1 <enter>
    (option 1 selected)
    Enter Company name: BlahBlahBlah <enter>
    (Back to main menu)
    >4 <enter>
    (commited change and back to main menu)
    >5 <enter>
    (exited program/menu)

Do I need to pass variables to the menu's option and if so how?

greatly appreciated,

2

It seems like you would want to use the "expect" command. You may need to download it since it does not come with many OSes.

Thomas

3

Thanks,
Do you know if this works on AIX5.1?

4

I believe that I have compiled expect on AIX 4 something so I can't imagine why it wouldn't. I've never heard of any platforms where it won't work. It does require TCL but that is about it.

It is a very useful utility when you need to batch control interactive programs. The name implies its functionality (though broader). You supply conditions to "expect" and respond with actions accordingly.

Thomas