bash script to change texts in a list of files

I need to write a scrpt to change some text for all files stored under a particular directory and sub-directories. The script will read a file (replace.txt) and change the context of each file based on it. The file will have the following format :

replace.txt
/eng /chi
engwrd chiwrd
/oci/pass /bci/pass

Is it possible to archieve this through a bash script ?

Tks

AXISHKAsked: 2015-08-09

Who is Participating?

Experts Exchange Solution brought to you by

Enjoy your complimentary solution view.

Get this solution by purchasing an Individual license! Start your 7-day free trial.

I wear a lot of hats...

"The solutions and answers provided on Experts Exchange have been extremely helpful to me over the last few years. I wear a lot of hats - Developer, Database Administrator, Help Desk, etc., so I know a lot of things but not a lot about one thing. Experts Exchange gives me answers from people who do know a lot about one thing, in a easy to use platform." -Todd S.

LVL 23

Steven VonaCommented: 2015-08-09

#!/bin/bash
while read line; do
        word=`echo $line | awk '{print $1}'`
        newword=`echo $line | awk '{print $2}'`

echo "WORD is $word"
echo "Replace WORD with $newword"

find /var/tmp/test -type f | xargs sed -i "s#$word#$newword#g"
done < replace.txt

Open in new window

For this to work, replace.txt has to be in the same directory as the script. You should also replace /var/tmp/test with the directory which holds the files you want to change.

NOTE: You can remove the "echo" lines if you wish, I did that just for testing.

AXISHKAuthor Commented: 2015-08-09

Do you mind to put comment in each line so that I can follow your logical ?

Thank again.

LVL 23

Steven VonaCommented: 2015-08-10

#!/bin/bash
# Read replace.txt line by line
while read line; do
# Take first word of line and make it a variable - word to find
word=`echo $line | awk '{print $1}'`
# Take second work of line and make it a variable - replace first word with this word
newword=`echo $line | awk '{print $2}'`

echo "WORD is $word"
echo "Replace WORD with $newword"

# Find every file in /var/tmp/test then swap first word for second word
find /var/tmp/test -type f | xargs sed -i "s#$word#$newword#g"
#done
done < replace.txt

Experts Exchange Solution brought to you by

Your issues matter to us.

Facing a tech roadblock? Get the help and guidance you need from experienced professionals who care. Ask your question anytime, anywhere, with no hassle.

Start your 7-day free trial