what does this do ?

In following code fragment (ksh) what does the export statement actualy do....?

(The rest of script is completly devoid of any functions and never sources another script)

echo "Enter Record Number"
if read REC? 'Record Number '
then
export REC
else
echo "\n\nERROR: Invalid Record number"
echo "Only numbers are permitted"
echo "Process Aborted\n\n"
exit 1
fi

export adds the variable incl. value to the shell environment which makes it globally accessible (hence, from the shell or from scripts that are started from this shell.

-Steven
____________
You ride a horse rather less well than another horse would. -Edmund Black Adder

so in the contex of the the script itself - NOTHING ??

Thats what I thought and so why I asked

export makes the variable available to the current process and all children of the current process. The parent of the current process does not 'leanr' abou the variable

well you can hardly call that nothing. It certainly will have some purpose, otherwise why be there? It would be a good guess, that this variable is required somewhere, likely in another script. There are of course other ways of passing parameters.....

-Steven
__________________
No. No, not really, the only change is if you could go and put your face in some manure and follow along at a reasonable distance, that would be fine. –Edmund Black Adder

w_jones, start here and learn how to post a descriptive subject title. Then go here and see why it matters that much.

freebsd, you are always good for a giggle.

Not to say that your point is not a good one, but the way you put it is just plain hilarious. I'm sure some of the people you chastise do not appreciate it, but keep up the good work.

-Steven
__________________
CHISWICK! FRESH HORSES!! –King Richard, Black Adder