RANDSTR(1)RANDSTR(1)NAMErandstr - fetch a random text string from a specified file
SYNOPISrandstr filename
DESCRIPTION
In essence, randstr is a stripped-down, minimalist version
of the popular fortune(6) program.
It reads files with the same structure as the fortunes
databases, and displays a random string.
Usage
randstr might be used, with a database of signatures cre
ated with a text editor and the strfile(8) and unstr(8)
utilities, to randomly change the $HOME/.signature file.
To do so, create the necessary database as, for example,
signatures and signatures.dat in the home directory, and
add the following line to .profile or .login:
randstr signatures >.signature
As superuser, a similar sort of thing could be placed in
the Pnews(1) or Rnmail(1) scripts, although it should cer
tainly test to be certain that the files exist, and creat
ing the files of signatures might require a good deal of
help for a lot of users.
Also as superuser, one might use randstr with a shell or
Perl script to read the etc/passwd database and create a
strfile type database, and use this database to run a
monthly lottery.
BUGS
None known.
SEE ALSOfortune(6), strfile(1)Linux hackery October 1995 RANDSTR(1)
