what is this for

[Lowell Gilbert]

"M.D. DeWar" <mark at s-wit.net> writes:

> [ -x /usr/games/fortune ] && /usr/games/fortune freebsd-tips
> 
> why and what is this command for.
> I found it in the /home/user directory in the .profile file.
> 
> no such thing in usr/games.
> no errors in the message files
> and searching freebsd ports shows no game called fortune.
> 
> I assume its a x game but why is it listed ?

It's the "fortune cookie" program.  That statement is there to give a
"FreeBSD tip" (piece of information) to users when they log in.

The first clause in that line makes sure the program is installed
before running it; so if you don't have it, you won't get any errors.