[NTLUG:Discuss] let me try that again - time

[MadHat]

On Fri, 2003-05-30 at 09:45, Fred James wrote:
> It appears that I wasn't clear enough on my first request, so please 
> forgive me for trying again.
> I know what "time" and "date" are, and what their intended uses are.
> I really do want to use "time" - unless someone can suggest something 
> better for the purpose.
> The problem I am having is syntax - no matter how much I read the 
> man(ual) pages, or which user I am at the moment, I cannot seem to get 
> "time" to recognise any of its own options or formating.  Right off the 
> bat, I would say that means that either (a) the man(ual) pages lie, or 
> (b) I don't understand something.  From past experience I would vote for 
> "b".
> What I believe I need is a little instruction on the syntax of "time", 
> or a pointer toward documentation on same.
> Thank you in advance for any help you may be able to offer.

Its a shell thing.  I assume you are using bash (since it seems most
linux users do[1]), and BASH does not work the same for some reason when
playing with time. Standard stuff, as documented on the manpage, does
work with some shells, like ash, but in the case of CSH or BASH, you
have to use ENV variables to change the output.

I am not 100% how to get it to work in BASH.



[1] I know not everyone using Linux uses BASH, so you don't need to
chime in with the "but I use..." :^p

-- 
MadHat at Unspecific.com
`But I don't want to go among mad people,' Alice remarked.
`Oh, you can't help that,' said the Cat: `we're all mad here...'
   -- Lewis Carroll - _Alice's_Adventures_in_Wonderland_