shell function + "<<" got error.

[Warren_9]

HI,

my shell script contain a ftp function

ftp ()
{
ftp HOSTNAME << EOF > /dev/null 2>&1
username....
...
..
EOF
}

don't know why it got a syntax error ...

"Syntax error at line 15 : `<<' is not matched."

any idea?

thanks

WAR.

[Peter Godron]

Hi,
change your function name from ftp (reserved name). Also shouldn't HOSTNAME be $HOSTNAME
For earlier solutions please see:
#! /usr/bin/sh

ip_address=a.b.c.d
user=user
password=password

ftp -n $ip_address << EOF
user $user $password
cd /tmp
lcd /tmp
bin
mput *
bye
EOF

or
http://forums1.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/questionanswer.do?threadId=991609

[Ivan Krastev]

I think the error is in space before EOF.

here is from example :

#!/bin/sh
ftp -n host > ftp.log <<-EOF
user ftp ftp_password
asc
get test123
quit
EOF


regards,
ivan

[Warren_9]

Hi,

the ftp script work if it is not call in the function.

my problem is when the "<<" use in the function , it got an syntax error...

any idea?

Thanks!

WAR.

[Peter Godron]

Warren,
please test:
#!/usr/bin/sh
ftpr ()
{
echo " Starting ftpr"
/usr/bin/ftp -n $1 << EOF > ftpdata.log 2>&1
user ftpuserid ftpuserpwd
ls
quit
EOF
echo "Leaving ftpr"
}
echo "Before the call"
ftpr 10.10.10.10
echo "After the call"

[James R. Ferguson]

Hi Warren:

While somewhat misleading, this error simply indicates that your EOF marker is *not* absolutely flush-left without prepended spaces.

Your 'EOF' must begin in column-1 without any leading spaces or tabs!

If you use the syntax:

... <<- EOF
...
EOF

...where only *tabs* are used to indent, you may beautify your code. Note the "-" appended to the redirection.

Regards!

...JRF...

[Peter Nikitka]

Hi Warren,

I think your contruct results in a recursive call of your function:
The 'ftp' in your 'ftp' function will NOT call /usr/bin/ftp but the funtion itself again.
CHange the name of your function or you /usr/bin/ftp in the function body.

mfG Peter

PS: Nevertheless your 'EOF' marker has to be left adjusted.

mfG Peter

[Warren_9]

no solution.... case close!!