I've seen this used, as you've pointed out, as a reverse-pipe command, i.e. take input from. In fact, my own native language has DECK/EOD verbs that allow similar. I just hadn't seen it used in quite this same way, to negate escaping, but I like the idea. I write a lot of 'web' code in a language called DCL, and it's a pain in the backside to have to write a quote as """. It means I can't simply copy and paste from one App to another, in the same way 'hereis' in PHP would allow (barring $variables of course). Rob. -----Original Message----- From: php-objects@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:php-objects@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Larry Helms Sent: 06 November 2007 15:00 To: php-objects@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Re: Echo Syntax That syntax is typical of other 'shells'. You'll find it used in csh, ksh, etc. scripts. It's known as a 'HEREIS' document. Typically you can feed input to just about any unix command from a file: I use this syntax all the time: mailx -s 'the subject' tosomeone@somewhere < message_text_file.txt When you want to include stuff in-line, in a script, you use a 'hereis' document. You'll usually find something like this: mailx -s 'thesubject' tosomeone@somewhere <<<EOF There is a problem with script X, please contact support EOF The '<<<' basically means take the input from stdin (currently the script itself) until you run into the string "EOF" as the only thing on the input line. There are arguments both for and against using this feature. I don't particularly care for it. Larr. *********************************************************************************** Any opinions expressed in email are those of the individual and not necessarily those of the company. This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and solely for the use of the intended recipient or entity to whom they are addressed. It may contain material protected by attorney-client privilege. If you are not the intended recipient, or a person responsible for delivering to the intended recipient, be advised that you have received this email in error and that any use is strictly prohibited. Random House Group + 44 (0) 20 7840 8400 http://www.randomhouse.co.uk http://www.booksattransworld.co.uk http://www.kidsatrandomhouse.co.uk Generic email address - enquiries@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Name & Registered Office: THE RANDOM HOUSE GROUP LIMITED 20 VAUXHALL BRIDGE ROAD LONDON SW1V 2SA Random House Group Ltd is registered in the United Kingdom with company No. 00954009, VAT number 102838980 ***********************************************************************************
