Re: property value from the result of executing a process?

[Craeg K Strong]

Peter Vogel wrote:
Before I go and do this, I'm wondering if I'm just missing something.
What I'm looking for is the ability to execute a process and store its
output
in a property, for example:
<property name="build" exec="cleartool describe -attr buildnum
${ant.file}"/>
Or, if you prefer:
<property name="build">
   <exec executable="cleartool"> 
       <arg line="describe -attr buildnum ${ant.file}"/>
  </exec>
</property>

Or perhaps?
<target name="init">
   <exec executable="cleartool" property="build"> 
       <arg line="describe -attr buildnum ${ant.file}"/>
  </exec>
</property>
   

This seems like a pretty obvious bit of functionality to have, so I'm
surprised I
didn't see it already.  I'll implement if someone suggests the preferred
syntax 
for this.

-Peter

Sounds interesting.   This is just the kind of task that could be in a 
"taskdefs.org" library of contributed optional tasks, IMO.
Most of us would never need it, but for those few-- it could be quite 
valuable.  

However, as a quick and dirty solution:
Try executing the process, recording its output in a file, converting 
that into java.util.Properties format, and then
reading it in as a property file  (e.g.   <Property file="foo" /> )

HTH,
--Craeg Strong
--
Craeg K. Strong                               | www.arielpartners.com
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