CODEWITHSUNDEEP
linuxbash
user2591612
user2591612

Reputation:

Correct way to check if a file exists in Linux

I have been using this in my scripts an my coworkers disagree with me.

My script takes in a file as a parameter and creates the file. Then I use the following to see if it was actually created.

ls -p | grep [filename]

Then, I see if the file I am trying to create is in the grep list.

but they are suggesting I use

test -f [filename]

instead.

What is the proper way to check for if a file exists in Linux?

Upvotes: 1

Views: 437

Answers (2)

user8920191
user8920191

Reputation:

I know the second method you mentioned is advised in the Linux Foundation's Introductory course. This method will test whether that name exists, and whether it is a file or not. Grep will simply tell you whether it found that string or not.

Upvotes: 2

Nepho
Nepho

Reputation: 1112

test -f [filename] is the way to go. Running both ls and grep just for this operation is way overkill.

Upvotes: 3

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