Zero padding
 

How can I add zero pad a number based on a variable length so that the length of the number is always the same?
Example:
00004
00023
34243
Always has a length of 5 with zeros added in when necessary

Edit: nm i found out how using seq -w

anyways, i have another question about %04d . Instead of using 4 for the digits, how could I make 4 be a variable instead? Would %0$(length)d work instead?

Just a suggestion: when you edit a post after finding a solution, please leave the original material. Other members may be looking for a solution to the same problem. Add your answer and help them out. Then add your new question, or start another thread.

use printf %0nd $yourNum where n is the length you want displayed

is n a variable? I don't want n to be predefined, but calculated at run time.

I apologize for deleting the original post

I don't know if there's a log function in bash, but if you know the length of the longest one you could use printf %0${maxlen}d $yourNum.

Thanks for the help. Normally I would test it, but I'm borrowing a friend's comp so no Linux. :( Just trying to do the best without