> There would not need to be much parsing, just "automake --version | grep > HiRes" in that case, or "case `automake --version` in *HiRes*) ...;; > easc" to avoid running grep if you want.
I specifically want to hear what Karl thinks. I lean towards Jacob's view that automake --version | grep HiRes will suffice. Not having a new option seems simpler/better in terms of later understanding, too. --thanks, karl. P.S. As for case vs. grep, personally I find a simple if...grep easier to comprehend/test/debug than a case statement. (Especially the macro-ized AS_CASE, which just makes me have to look up its syntax every time I see it.) Also fewer lines of source. Granted calling the external grep is less efficient, but that seems insignificant to me. I understand Paul and others may disagree ...