Question

7

How to `cat` filename returned by `which`?

rated 0 times [ 7] [ 0] / answers: 1 / hits: 965 / 1 Year ago, wed, june 15, 2022, 5:11:37

I answered this question but realize that it could be better.

How can I convert:

$ which gjslint

$ cat /usr/local/bin/gjslint

Into something like this:

$ cat < which gjslint

-bash: which: No such file or directory

..so that the output path+filename from which is passed onto cat which then does it's thing (i.e. printing the contents of the filename to the screen).

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answered 1 Year ago mance · Accepted Answer

Use backticks:

cat `which gjslint`

If the path contains whitespace (unlikely with default paths), you need to put it in parentheses:

cat "`which gjslint`"

An alternative would be cat "$(which gjslint)". The reason I use backticks instead of $() is because it's easier to type, two keystrokes with one hand vs 4 keystrokes with two hands. I am aware of the disadvantages of using ` over $(), but those do no apply in this case. You're not going to nest backticks or use slashes for quickly finding a program.