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testing if two strings point to the same file [message #94264]

Wed, 15 March 2017 15:43

MarioIncandenza
Messages: 231
Registered: February 2005

Senior Member

Hello IDL Wizards,

IDL> file1='/tmp/qq/qq.dat'
IDL> file2='/tmp//qq//qq.dat'
IDL> file_copy,file1,file2
% FILE_COPY: Source file must be different from target file.

This situation will only arise if someone has done something dumb, or at least inconsistent. Let he/she who is without sin cast the first stone.

Is there a good way to test if FILE1 and FILE2 are actually the same file?

--Edward H.

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Re: testing if two strings point to the same file [message #94265 is a reply to message #94264]

Wed, 15 March 2017 15:56

Helder Marchetto
Messages: 520
Registered: November 2011

Senior Member

On Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 11:43:13 PM UTC+1, Edward Hyer wrote:
> Hello IDL Wizards,
>
> IDL> file1='/tmp/qq/qq.dat'
> IDL> file2='/tmp//qq//qq.dat'
> IDL> file_copy,file1,file2
> % FILE_COPY: Source file must be different from target file.
>
> This situation will only arise if someone has done something dumb, or at least inconsistent. Let he/she who is without sin cast the first stone.
>
> Is there a good way to test if FILE1 and FILE2 are actually the same file?
>
> --Edward H.

I would try this (it works on windows):

f1_info = file_info(file1)
f2_info = file_info(file2)
if f1_info.name ne f1_info.name then file_copy,file1,file2 $
else print, 'no need to *overselfcopy*'

If you like to keep things short(er):
if (file_info(file1)).name ne (file_info(file2)).name then file_copy,file1,file2

cheers,
Helder

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Re: testing if two strings point to the same file [message #94266 is a reply to message #94264]

Wed, 15 March 2017 16:42

wlandsman
Messages: 743
Registered: June 2000

Senior Member

You could also use the /ALLOW_SAME keyword to FILE_COPY. --Wayne

ALLOW_SAME

Attempting to copy a file on top of itself by specifying the same file for SourcePath and DestPath is usually considered to be an error. If the ALLOW_SAME keyword is set, no copying is done and the operation is considered successful.

On Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 6:43:13 PM UTC-4, Edward Hyer wrote:
> Hello IDL Wizards,
>
> IDL> file1='/tmp/qq/qq.dat'
> IDL> file2='/tmp//qq//qq.dat'
> IDL> file_copy,file1,file2
> % FILE_COPY: Source file must be different from target file.
>
> This situation will only arise if someone has done something dumb, or at least inconsistent. Let he/she who is without sin cast the first stone.
>
> Is there a good way to test if FILE1 and FILE2 are actually the same file?
>
> --Edward H.

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