number of parameters

[Steve Sauve]

Hello all,

I am creating a script in which a variable number of parameters will be given when it is called. I seem to remember there being a variable that contains the number of parameters passed (though I could be making that up :). If it exists does anyone know what the variable is?
I guess my other option is just to count up through the parameter variables ($1, $2, $3, etc) and check for a value. But if there is a variable I can use I'd prefer to do it that way.

Thanks,
Steve

[Sridhar Bhaskarla · Accepted solution]

Hi Steve,

Are you talking about $# ? - the number of variables supplied

#!/usr/bin/ksh
print $#


-Sri

[Jeff Machols]

the variable is $#

[Vincent Farrugia]

The variable is $#

HTH,
Vince

[Craig Rants]

As you can probably see, $# is the answer you are looking for. Do you have the Unix in a Nutshell book? Page 4-8 has all the built-in shell variables for sh and ksh. If you don't have it, then I would recommend getting it asap. bookpool.com has a great price, you won't regret getting this book.

GL,
C