Execute command while process is running and end once process ends using bash

Question

I am trying to create a while loop that will print "." while a shell script process is running and stop printing when the process has finished. My code continues to print "." after launch.sh has completed.

sh launch.sh & PIDIOS=$!

dot_function() {
running=$(ps aux | grep launch.sh | wc -l)
while [ $running -ge 1 ]; do
   if [ $running -lt 1 ]; then
      break
   elif [ $running -ge 1 ];
      printf "."
      sleep 1
   fi
done
} 
dot_function & PIDMIX=$

You're never updating the running variable in your loop.

fireshadow52
– fireshadow52

2022-05-11 17:29:44 +00:00
Commented May 11, 2022 at 17:29 — fireshadow52
– fireshadow52, Commented May 11, 2022 at 17:29

Fravadona · Accepted Answer · 2022-05-11 20:02:38Z

1

How about using kill -0?

dotwait() {
    while kill -0 "$1" 2>/dev/null
    do
        printf .
        sleep 1
    done
    echo
}

sh launch.sh & dotwait "$!"

edited May 11, 2022 at 20:02

answered May 11, 2022 at 17:47

Fravadona

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1 Comment

pretz Over a year ago

Good question! That works perfectly and much simpler. Thank you!

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