What is 'expect'

[Dan Bernstein]

In article <1990Nov13.212403.11129 at iwarp.intel.com> merlyn at iwarp.intel.com (Randal Schwartz) writes:
> In article <~|&^%V&@rpi.edu>, wrf at mab (Wm Randolph Franklin) writes:
> | The interactive shell 'expect' looks useful according to the long shell
> | summary.  What is it and where would I get it?  Thanks.
> A Perl version with similar interfaces and the same functionality is
> in the works (if you're not interested in learning TCL, but already
> have some Perl experience)... see comp.lang.perl for details.

And if you just want to stick to sh for the automation, do so. Why learn
a different language---whether TCL or Perl---if you don't have to?

Most ``interactive'' programs demand to talk to a tty; you'll have to
use a tool like pty (comp.sources.unix volume 23, or ftp 128.122.128.22)
to make them behave. But replacing ``telnet'' with ``pty telnet'' is a
lot simpler than learning a new language for automation.

---Dan