Feeding in data from a file to save to a file

Question

Write a command that

feeds app data from input.dat
saves the output to output.dat
saves the error messages to log.txt

I am really new to Unix and was wondering if I am using the command line parameters correctly.

My command I was writing was:

$> app < input.dat > output.dat > 2> log.txt

From what I understand is the < reads files as standard input. > sets files as redirection from standard output, and 2> redirects error messages to a file.

Was wondering if my command is correct, and if not was wondering if someone could lend me a hand in this.

macos terminal

Jason Croyle · Accepted Answer

Depending on how the app handles its input and assuming the input data is formatted correctly you could do something like this cat input.dat | app > output.dat 2> log.txt.  The input is the part that hold most of the issues this really depends on how the app expects to receive its input ie. newline separated, tab separated ect..
You can also use the syntax you originally where trying.
app < input.dat > output.dat 2> log.txt
But personally I think the cat method is more versatile and common usage in Linux.

Feeding in data from a file to save to a file

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