1 definition by brunerd
When two or more *nix shell scripters argue whether cat is necessary or if shell redirection will suffice (and/or is superior).
Admin 1: You don't need to `cat file | grep word` you can just do `grep word file`
Admin 2: Is it really more performant <eye roll>??!
Admin 3: You can do this `var =$(< test)` instread of `var=$(cat test)`
Admin 2: Umm yeah I accidentally clobbered a file when I goofed up and did `var =$(> test)`, I'll keep using cat
Admin 1 & 3: Noooooooo! It's a Useless Use of Cat (UUOC) !!!!1!1!!!!
Admin: How did this become a catfight?!
Admin 2: Is it really more performant <eye roll>??!
Admin 3: You can do this `var =$(< test)` instread of `var=$(cat test)`
Admin 2: Umm yeah I accidentally clobbered a file when I goofed up and did `var =$(> test)`, I'll keep using cat
Admin 1 & 3: Noooooooo! It's a Useless Use of Cat (UUOC) !!!!1!1!!!!
Admin: How did this become a catfight?!
by brunerd November 30, 2022