Efficiently Call C Executable with Multiple CSV Files in Parallel from Bash Script

Описание: Learn how to call a C executable with multiple CSV files in parallel using a Bash script, while validating each file. Follow our step-by-step guide to streamline your file processing.
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Efficiently Call C Executable with Multiple CSV Files in Parallel from Bash Script

When working with CSV files in a directory, it’s common to encounter the need to process them simultaneously with a C executable. However, ensuring each file is properly validated before execution can be challenging. In this guide, we will explore how to create a Bash script that invokes a C executable for multiple CSV files in parallel, all while performing necessary validations.

The Problem at a Glance

Imagine you have a directory containing CSV files and you want to process each file using a C executable. However, before executing, each file must undergo individual validation to ensure that:

The filename is in the correct format.

File sequencing numbers are valid, and so on.
If you have three input files at a time, you want to process them independently and simultaneously, rather than sequentially. Here's a structured approach to tackle this problem.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Setup the Bash Script

First, you'll need a Bash script that prepares to handle multiple files. Here’s a simple template to visualize the process:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

2. Validating Files

The validate function should contain the specific rules needed to validate each file before processing it. This prevents running the C executable on an improperly formatted file.

File Format Validation: Check if the filename adheres to any specific naming conventions.

Sequence Number Validation: Ensure that the sequence numbers within the file are correct.

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

3. Parallel Execution of the C Executable

The key to running each instance of the C executable in parallel is the use of the & operator at the end of the command. In the given Bash script, every time you call the C executable, appending & sends the process to the background, allowing the next check and execution to occur without waiting for the previous command to finish.

Important Considerations:

Using & allows parallel execution, while omitting it runs commands sequentially.

If your C executable generates output, be aware that the output from multiple running instances may get mixed in the terminal.

Ensure that the executable does not create temporary files with the same name that could affect concurrent processes.

Conclusion

By following the simple setup of a Bash script with file validation and parallel execution capabilities, you can efficiently handle multiple CSV files and process them through a C executable. This structured approach not only simplifies your script but enhances its functionality, allowing you to leverage the parallel processing capabilities of Bash effectively.

Final Thoughts

Feel free to adapt the example according to your specific validation needs and file processing requirements. With these insights, you can now confidently automate the execution of a C program on multiple CSV files seamlessly!