How to write a zsh alias that calls a subshell?
Multi tool use
How to write a zsh alias that calls a subshell?
I am trying to create a zsh alias which would do the equivalent of:
zsh
cat `which some_command`
In bash that is not achievable with an alias so I had a function in my ~/.bashrc with the following content:
~/.bashrc
function catw {
cat `/usr/bin/which "${1}"`
}
I moved the function to ~/.zhrc without changes and it works, but while in bash it executes immediately with zsh I am getting a several seconds delay before the cat command actually runs.
~/.zhrc
bash
zsh
cat
Is there a way to have this as a more efficient zsh alias? If not then why does the function takes longer to execute? Can I change anything in the function to make it work as fast as in bash?
zsh
bash
catw ldd
@thatotherguy: I have identified the issue: I had
cat aliased to ccat (the colorizing cat from github.com/jingweno/ccat). The bash function apparently does not use the alias inside functions, while zsh probably tried to resolve the alias which caused the delay. Replacing cat with /bin/cat made the operation instant in zsh.– ccpizza
Jul 1 at 11:18
cat
ccat
zsh
cat
/bin/cat
zsh
It's barely worth the effort in
zsh: cat =some_command.– chepner
Jul 1 at 15:39
zsh
cat =some_command
@chepner: can you please explain what you mean? and, if possible, maybe provide some links to examples?
– ccpizza
Jul 1 at 21:59
=some_command is special syntax zsh provides which does the same thing as which. You can see by running echo =some_command.– chepner
Jul 1 at 22:40
=some_command
zsh
which
echo =some_command
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I tried your function in my zsh and
catw lddwas pretty much instantaneous. Do you get the same lag when you repeat the command multiple times?– that other guy
Jul 1 at 4:44