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bashsedinsertcharacterheadless

inserting a line containing quote mark ' using sed

I am trying script a file that will install VirtualBox Headless. I am lacking one part to accomplish it. phpVirtualBox requires you to edit the config.php file and change the password. The section I am trying to modify is:

/* Username / Password for system user that runs VirtualBox */

var $username = 'vbox';<br>
var $password = 'pass'; **********This Line*****************

I've read (man sed) and looked all over the internet for a solution, no luck.

I have tried multiple sed commands but none will insert the ' tick marks.

I was able to get everything except the ('). These marks need to surround the password to make the config.php file work properly.

I am able to delete the entire line then trying to insert a new line only inserts:

var $password = pass ;

Can anyone please help me figure out how to insert the full line:

var $password 'pass';

I'll post the full script is anyone is interested in using it.

Solution

  • Just keep the '' unchanged and replace the value inside:

    echo "var \$password = 'pass';" | sed "s@'pass'@'newpass'@"

    Result

    var $password = 'newpass';