Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxl!ihnp4!zehntel!hplabs!sri-unix!lcc.bob@ucla-locus From: lcc.bob%ucla-locus@sri-unix.UUCP Newsgroups: net.unix-wizards Subject: awk Message-ID: <17361@sri-arpa.UUCP> Date: Fri, 9-Mar-84 13:26:18 EST Article-I.D.: sri-arpa.17361 Posted: Fri Mar 9 13:26:18 1984 Date-Received: Tue, 13-Mar-84 08:08:57 EST Lines: 14 From: Bob EnglishIf you change the behavior of a standard system utility, then you must be prepared to fix every program written before and after that uses the standard. You could, of course, extend "awk" to provide the service you want (by adding an option, or changing the syntax), just make sure it's compatible with the rest of the world. And be prepared for the screams of those who believe that no tool can ever be improved. Alternatively, you can make any changes you want without worrying about compatibility and call the result son_of_awk. --bob--