Re: [Expectperl-discuss] blocking expect calls?

[Bala A. <ba...@sb...>]

Expect doesn't have a blocking mode or concept. Except
gets chunks from the kernel buffer and it isn't always
keeping up with the interacting program. That is,
expect is usually behind and the application it is
interacting with is usually ahead. To sync up both,
(to block like you alluded to) , you need to loop on
the pattern you are looking for. You need to consume
all the patterns that are available on the stdout,
produced either by you "sending" them or produced by
the application. If you pass up any input, then your
expect program may appear to work, but not
consistently. 


Take ls \n for example. You need to loop looking for
the command to return to unix prompt such $ or # or >
or what have you.

While waiting - you should consume everything that
comes your way by using expect(3,'-re', "(.*?)\n") 
(note .*? won't consume \n thus you have hard code \n.

Every time you consume you should put that out to a
buffer such as  $buffer .= $obj->match() ;
Sometimes you may have to use expect_before() but you
have to play with it to see what suits your response
best.

I will be happy to post some samples if you need more
help. Good luck expecting.


B Ayres

--- ex...@th... wrote:
> I'm trying to write a script in perl, using the
> expect.pm module, which will
> connect via ssh to a remote system and run a series
> of commands.  I can connect
> and run commands, but am having trouble with the
> interactive aspects of the script.
> 
> I need to check the status of the system and make
> calls accordingly, but cannot
> find a way to make "blocking" calls (expect, wait,
> send) or catch the return
> value (e.g. send ("ls\n") and catch the results).
> 
> Could you folks provide me with sample code or links
> to documentation that could
> help with this?  I've read through the man, er
> perldoc, page and could not find
> solutions there.
> 
> thanks,
> Andrew
> ex...@th...
> 
> 
>
-------------------------------------------------------
> This SF.Net email sponsored by Black Hat Briefings &
> Training.
> Attend Black Hat Briefings & Training, Las Vegas
> July 24-29 - 
> digital self defense, top technical experts, no
> vendor pitches, 
> unmatched networking opportunities. Visit
> www.blackhat.com
> _______________________________________________
> Expectperl-discuss mailing list
> Exp...@li...
>
https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/expectperl-discuss
>