Syntax of the inst.init Script

Syntax of the inst.init Script

The inst.init script has this syntax:

inst.init [toolname] [pathname] [file descriptor]

Arguments have these meanings:

toolname: has the value inst or swmgr
pathname: is the specification for the directory that contains inst.init
file descriptor: is the file descriptor to which commands can be written

The inst.init script can read from stdin and write to stdout (file descriptor 1) using the controlling tty in Inst sessions; use xconfirm(1) for user input and output in Software Manager sessions. The script can also write to stderr (file descriptor 2). Messages to stderr are posted directly to the user by means of the inst pager during an Inst session or in the log pane during a Software Manager session. Messages to stderr are also copied to /var/inst/INSTLOG, the installation log.

Note: Avoid using stderr to write prompts for an interactive Inst session. The inst pager might interfere with the session by writing unwanted lines to the screen.