> From: "Thomas Joseph" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Subject: problem with grep
>
> Hi All,
>
> My system is RH7.1 on Intel.
>
> When I do a grep on a directory that contains 12,000 plus
> files, (and no subdirectories)the system gives the following error:
>
> bash:/bin/grep: Argument list too long
>
> Could any of you please tell me what is the maximum
> files that can be in a directory for grep to work?
>
> Is there a way to overcome this limitation ?
>
> TIA
>
> Thomas Joseph
> Spectrum Software Solutions.
> Liverpool, NY 13088
>
This isn't a grep limitation, but an OS (kernel) limitation which allocates
a limited space to the argument lists. I suspect you could use rgrep on
the DIRECTORY, unless you're on 7.2 which has lost rgrep (I don't remember
whether seawolf still has rgrep). You could also probaby use 'grep -r' in
7.2.
The *CLASSIC* solution to this is to use 'find' and 'xargs'. Something like
find . -type f -print | xargs grep 'your_pattern_here'
--
pete peterson
Teradyne, Inc.
7 Technology Park Drive
Westford, MA 01886-0033
[EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED]
+1-978-589-7478 (Teradyne); +1-978-589-2088 (Closest FAX);
+1-978-589-7007 (Main Teradyne Westford FAX)
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