• Can we use file streams (or C++ style strings)? [3/03]
• [MSG] Don't forget to "clean up" project #2
• When is Project #3 due?

• [UNIX Tip] Creating a .alias file. [2/26]

List of Answers to FAQ

• Can we use file streams (or C++ style strings)?

  No. There is no need to use file streams for this project and you are NOT permitted to do so. Also you may not use C++ style strings on any project in this course unless it is explicitly permitted in the project description.

• [MSG] Don't forget to "clean up" project #2

  Meaning delete any old executable files (like a.out) and delete the cxx_repository directory (if it exists). See project #2 FAQ for more detailed information about quota and other related items.

• When is Project #3 due?

  Project #3 is due by 8AM on Wednesday, March 17th, 2004.

UNIX Tip(s)

• [UNIX Tip] Creating a .alias file.

  Actually this requires explaining several things. The first is that there is an "alias" command - type it at the UNIX prompt (alias) and see what happens:

  % alias
  ... displays a list of all "aliased" commands ...
  % man alias
  ... displays the "man page" for the alias command (explaining how it works) ...
  % alias dir ls
  ... creates a "new command" dir which works like ls ...
  % dir
  ... runs the ls command and displays it's output ...
  % alias mv "ls -l"
  % mv ~
  ... runs the "ls -l ~" command and displays it's output ...
  

  Creating aliases can sometimes be very useful (for example you could create an alias named print that does what lpr does). The problem is that any aliases you create when logged in disappear when you log out (and thus are no longer useful - unless something else is done).

  Next there are special "hidden" files in your home directory (and possibly other directories) that have special purposes. NOTE: a "hidden" file is one that begins with a . (period) and normally ls does not list/show them and to see them you must do "ls -a" or better "ls -al | more" (to list them in long format and "piped" into the more command to see them one screenful at a time).

  One special hidden file is your .login file - DO NOT MODIFY THIS FILE (or be very careful if you do) because if you do so and you mess up you may not be able to log into your account anymore (after you log out). In particular your .login file is "run" automatically ONCE each time you log in to your account (typically setting up special things).

  Another special hidden file is your .cshrc file - again DO NOT MODIFY this file as it can cause problems if you do the wrong thing. This file is "run" automatically each time you create a new "shell" (more on that later - in particular a tcsh or csh shell) - note: every time you log in a new "shell" is created and thus in addition to your .login file your .cshrc file gets "run". We have modified your .cshrc file so that it "runs" another file named .alias automatically each time a shell is started/created. Inside this .alias file you can put any aliases you want to be available each time you log in. You must put one alias per line and follow the syntax closely.

  If you want you can create your own aliases and put them in the .alias file in your home directory - just be careful doing so and test them by logging out and logging back in to make sure they get set up correctly.

See the class syllabus for policies concerning email Last Modified: Wed Mar 3 17:41:26 EST 2004

Web Accessibility