Overview
`yes` is a simple utility that continuously outputs a specific string in an infinite loop. It is mainly used to automatically respond to confirmation questions when interactive commands are executed automatically, making it useful for script automation.
Key Features
- Repeatedly outputs the default string 'y'
- Can repeat a user-specified string
- Useful for automatically responding to confirmation prompts of other commands
- Can be stopped by pressing Ctrl+C
Main Options
By default, the `yes` command outputs 'y'. However, you can provide an argument to make it repeat a different string. There are no separate flag options.
Specify String to Repeat
Generated command:
Try combining the commands.
Description:
`yes` Executes the command.
Combine the above options to virtually execute commands with AI.
Usage Examples
Examples demonstrating various ways to use the `yes` command. It is often used in conjunction with other commands via pipes (|).
Default 'y' Repetition
yesContinuously outputs 'y' until Ctrl+C is pressed.
Repeat a Specific String
yes "Hello World!"Repeatedly outputs the string 'Hello World!'.
Automatic Response to Confirmation Prompts
yes | rm -i my_file.txtAutomatically answers all confirmation prompts for interactive commands (e.g., `rm -i`) with 'y' to proceed with deletion. **Caution: This command can be very dangerous and should be used with extreme care.**
Using with xargs
find . -name "*.txt" -print0 | yes | xargs -0 rm -iWhen executing `rm -i` for all .txt files found by the `find` command, `yes` automatically approves the deletion confirmation. **This is a very dangerous combination and requires caution.**
Tips & Precautions
The `yes` command is very simple, but it can be powerfully utilized when combined with other commands. However, it must be used with caution.
How to Stop the Command
The yes command runs indefinitely, so you must forcefully stop it by pressing Ctrl+C in the terminal.
- Ctrl+C: Terminates the currently running
yesprocess.
Caution with Automation
When using the yes command to automatically respond to interactive prompts, extreme caution is advised. Especially when used with commands that modify or delete data such as rm, mv, or cp, it can lead to unintended data loss. Always ensure you fully understand the command and test it before executing automated scripts.
Alternatives
In certain situations, you might consider alternatives to yes.
- Some commands offer their own automatic confirmation options, such as
-yor--assume-yes. If available, using these options is generally safer. - Instead of simulating user input with conditional logic within a script, you can implement it to perform operations only when necessary.