WG15 Defect Report Ref: 9945-2-97
Topic: set -o noclobber


This is an approved interpretation of 9945-2:1993.

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Last update: 1997-05-20


								9945-2-97

 _____________________________________________________________________________

	Topic:			set -o noclobber
	Relevant Sections:	3.7.2


Defect Report:
-----------------------

I have a question about standard 9945-2-92,  POSIX Shells and Utilities.
I would like to request clarification of section 3.7.2 on set -o noclobber.
The standard says:
=======================================================
	[n] >word

Output redirection using the > format shall fail if the noclobber option
is set and the file named by the expansion of word exists and is a
regular file.

=======================================================
This does not specify what happens in the case of an empty regular file.
What does the POSIX standard require?  Should an error result in the
case of empty as well as nonempty files?

Thank you for your help.

Lisa Kowalski
lila@mozart.stc.att.com
(908) 582-7083



Interpretation response
------------------------
The standard does not make a distinction between empty or non-empty files.  
Further, the standard clearly states that "Output redirection using the >
format shall fail if the noclobgber option is set" and conforming
implementations must conform to this.  
 

Rationale:
None

Forwarded to Interpretations group: Mar 9 1995
Proposed resolution circulated: May 16th
Comments due: June 15th
Finalised: June 16th 1995