[NTLUG:Discuss] Simple bash shell question

[Robert Citek]

. Daniel wrote:
> So, count first, then process, all the while echoing the progress values to 
> zenity so I can see how far along it has gone.  Crazy right?

If all you want to do is count the number of files:

fcount=$(ls *.mpg | wc -l)

Just be aware that for large number of *.mpg files you'll exceed bash's
expansion buffer.

Regards,
- Robert