Thread: '*' as a command line argument

Well, at least on Unix systems, '*' etc. are handled by the shell. To prevent interpretation of them you could use quotes ('*' or "*"), or escape them with a backslash (\*).

> To prevent interpretation of them you could use quotes ('*' or "*"), or escape them with a backslash (\*).

What if I want to write a dir-program (my attempt before figuring this one...)

And here's for adrianxw: run it with '*' as an argument (not those 's) and get a directory listing.

Code:

#include <stdio.h>
int main(int argc, char **argv)
{
	for(int i = 0;  i < argc;  i++)
		printf("%s\n", argv[i]);
	return 0;
}

You have to understand that the * is handled by the shell, and hence while using MS VC++, the * is passed to the program as it is (the shell doesn't handle it there).

While with DOS or Unix terminals, you can use "*" quotes to put the * as it is (this is defined by the shells, so you have to comply with their instructions...there's nothing wrong with the program).

It's all explained in the DJGPP FAQ
http://www.delorie.com/djgpp/v2faq/faq16.html