bashlaunching-application

Bash Scripting: How to open Kate with directory and filename?


I am completely new to Bash scripting so bare with me while I try to describe this. What I want to do be able to insert two arguments. Arg1=Sub Folder in Documents Arg2=Title of the text file

Using Ubuntu 20.10. (If that matters) In short: kate ~/Documents/$Arg1/$Arg2 would be the equivalent to the command I would enter into my terminal.

The extra catch is having a keyword shortcut for the Sub Folder. For example say the Sub folder was name SUPERLONGNAME_EXTRALONG but I want a shortcut such as SHORTNAME=SUPERLONGNAME_EXTRALONG

#!/bin/sh

newfile()

    dirname=$1
    filename=$2

    if $dirname==dir1
        dirname=newdirname
        fi

kate ~/Documents/$dirname/$filename

This is basically what I have now. Although as you would guess this doesn't work. (Provided for aid in seeing what I am trying to do). I can open kate within the home directory with the file name of my choice. My real issue seems to be the creating a shortcut keyword. As well as having the file save to the Document/Arg1 directory. Please help.

I run the command through terminal using sh newfile arg1 arg2


Solution

  • Use an associate array shortnames to optionally translate from long to short names. Verify that file and directory exist:

    #!/bin/bash
    
    declare -A shortnames=( 
      [long]="short"
    )
    
    d=$1
    f=$2
    if [ -z "$d" ]
    then
        echo directory required
        exit 1
    fi
    if [ -n "${shortnames[$d]}" ]
    then
        d=${shortnames[$d]}
    fi
    d=~/Documents/$d
    if [ ! -d "$d" ]
    then
         echo "directory $d does not exist"
         exit 1
    fi
    
    if [ -z "$f" ]
    then
        echo file required
        exit 1
    fi
    
    kate "$d/$f"