! Command

Command

! -- Run a command or program in an O/S shell.

Synopsis

! <cmd> [args...]

Description

The "!" command is used for running commands and simple programs in a temporary operating system shell which terminates upon completion of the program or command.

It is suitable for simple non-interactive commands such as ls, mkdir etc, or programs that run and terminate without requiring any further input from the user.

The "SHELL" command performs the same action.

Example

"! ls /dev"

Limitations

Running interactive commands or programs via this means is (e.g. piping a directory listing via MORE) not possible, because XRPi is suspended while the external command or program runs.

Yes that sucks, but this command dates back to the MS-DOS days! When time allows, it will be rewritten to take advantage of the multitasking O/S.

Availability

Sysops only.

Notes

At first sight this might seem pointless on a modern operating system. Why not simply open another terminal, a VNC or SSH session?

But what if XRPi is on a remote hilltop and its only connection with the outside world is via the RF Packet Radio network? Not an unusual situation for a packet node! How are you going to run VNC or SSH then?

This command allows you to do simple Linux administration over the air with the most basic of equipment.

See Also

SHELL(2)