Unix alias with parameters

Question

Possible Duplicate:
How to pass parameters to an alias?

I'm wondering if it is possible to define an alias with parameters.

For example, when I have to compile a tex file I execute pdflatex and then I have to open the pdf:

$ pdlatex Main.tex
$ Open Main.pdf

Is there a way for defining an alias like this:

alias buildPdf="pdflatex x.tex && Open x.pdf"

Where x is a parameter?

score 7 · Accepted Answer · answered Dec 23 '11 at 13:48

7

You can use a function. Add to your .bashrc or simply copypasta into your terminal:

function buildPdf() {
  pdflatex "$1.tex" && Open "$1.pdf"
}

answered Dec 23 '11 at 13:48

1

$1 instead of %1, perhaps? – Shawn Chin Dec 23 '11 at 13:50
Thanks, can I define it in the .bashrc? – Dec 23 '11 at 13:52
@lucaghera, yes, or in .profile, depending on which file is sourced when you start your shell. – Dec 23 '11 at 13:53
@Jan it returns me this error when I open the bash: -bash: /Users/luca/.profile: line 35: syntax error: unexpected end of file – Dec 23 '11 at 13:54
@lucaghera, try adding newlines, as in the updated answer. – Dec 23 '11 at 13:56

score 0 · Answer 2 · edited Aug 16 '12 at 00:36

0

With bash this is not possible. Consider using a bash script instead:

#!/bin/bash
pdflatex "$1".tex
Open "$1".pdf

Voila!

edited Aug 16 '12 at 00:36

Ulrich Dangel

answered Dec 23 '11 at 13:47

Evert

2 Answers2