while loop problem

[pfm200586]

Hello everyone,

I have this little for loop that I want to convert to a while loop. It accepts unknown number from the command line parameters and then add them all up and display the sum, here is the for loop:

sum=0

for x in $*
do 
sum=`expr $sum + $argument`
done

echo $sum

it runs perfectly, any suggestions how to convert it to a while loop?

Thank you

Regards

[atreyu]

If it works, why does it need to be converted to a while loop?

[pfm200586]

because it is one of the requirements. I have to do it in both (while and for) loops.

thanks

[atreyu]

You can run a while loop by testing for the number of command line arguments (positional parameters) passed to your script. In your while loop, just shift after you do your sum command, so that:

a) you're always using the first positional parameter in your sum calculation

b) the positional parameter count will eventually get to zero (ending your while logic)

Do 'man bash' to read up on these functions.