LDP/LDP/guide/docbook/abs-guide/redir5.sh

#!/bin/bash

if [ -z "$1" ]
then
  Filename=names.data   # Default, if no filename specified.
else
  Filename=$1
fi  

TRUE=1

if [ "$TRUE" ]          # if true    and   if :   also work.
then
 read name
 echo $name
fi <"$Filename"
#  ^^^^^^^^^^^^

# Reads only first line of file.
# An "if/then" test has no way of iterating unless embedded in a loop.

exit 0