Converting Text Files for Use on DOS or AIX

The format of ASCII files under DOS and UNIX are different. Under UNIX, the end of a line is represented by a linefeed character and the end of a file is represented by the character ^D (new line). However, in DOS, the end of a line is represented by a carriage return followed by a linefeed character, and the end of a file is represented by the character ^Z. There are several ways to convert UNIX formatted files to DOS and vice versa. This document applies to AIX Versions 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3.

The AIX and RS/6000 product documentation library is also available:

• Using dosread or doswrite, execute the following:

      doswrite -a <filename>                 UNIX -> DOS 
      dosread -a <filename>                  DOS -> UNIX 
  

  NOTE: The fileset bos.dosutil must be installed to use dosread or doswrite.

• Using sed, enter ^M on the command line by using the key sequence Ctrl-V followed by Ctrl-M.

      sed 's/$/^M/' <filename> > <newfilename>   UNIX -> DOS 
      sed 's/^M$/$/' <filename> > <newfilename>  DOS -> UNIX 
  

  NOTE: ^M represents the control sequence for a carriage return.

• Using the vi editor, load the file and execute the following:

      :%s/$/^M/g                              UNIX -> DOS 
      :%s/^M$//g                              DOS -> UNIX