Why do I get a syntax error in backticks, even though it works in terminal?

Question

I am trying to run a Linux command in Perl using backticks. It works when I run it directly in Linux, but when Perl does it through backticks, I get this error:

sh: -c: line 0: syntax error near unexpected token `>'
sh: -c: line 0: `(/src/storageUtil --diagnostic 2> >(tee >(cat >&2) >&1)) > log.txt'

The line of code in question is:

$output = `(/src/storageUtil --diagnostic 2> >(tee >(cat >&2) >&1)) > log.txt`;

Any insight as to what might cause this error would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

You probably tested your code on the command line with `bash` but you're trying to run it via `sh` when you invoke it from Perl. — Paul R, Nov 15 '16 at 14:50
I'd suggest with file redirects, you'd generally be better off `open`ing the executable for piping, and then handle the file io yourself, rather than outsourcing to shell. — Sobrique, Nov 15 '16 at 15:27

score 11 · Accepted Answer · answered Nov 15 '16 at 16:05

11

You probably tested your code on the command line with bash but you're trying to run it via sh when you invoke it from Perl.

Either change your command to be compatible with the Bourne shell, or invoke bash explicitly.

answered Nov 15 '16 at 16:05

Paul R

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Thanks :) you are a saviour – user3307598 Nov 15 '16 at 16:15

Why do I get a syntax error in backticks, even though it works in terminal?

1 Answers1