Hallo, I am just starting to use small bash scripts on my system and I enjoy it.
I am using the following bash script to query my postgresql database using "van" (surname) as search field: time echo "select noemnaam,van,adres1,telefoon,werktelefoon,selfoon,faks from lidmate,besoekpunt where lower(van) like lower('$1%') and bpnommer = besoekpunt.nommer order by van, noemnaam;" | psql jhspies I use it like this: telef marais When I want to narrow the search I use it in the following way: telef marais | grep -i gert supplying a name (gert) to look for. I want to modify my script so that I can do either telef marais or telef marais gert What I do not know is how to handle the possible second argument on the command line. The script must be able to use the second argument if there is one otherwise it should use the query as it is at the moment. I have looked at the bash man page, but could so far not find an answer. Johann -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Johann Spies Windsorlaan 19 | | [EMAIL PROTECTED] 3201 Pietermaritzburg | | Tel/Faks Nr. +27 331-46-1310 Suid-Afrika (South Africa) | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack..." Proverbs 28:27