Re: compare values in the same field in consecutive rows--and store

z.entropic wrote:
> I know it's a pretty basic question for true (g)awkers, but I've spent
> enough time today to try to make it work... I need your help...
> 
> Here is the problem:  I'd like to scan large data files, find
> consecutive lines in which a given field has a particular value,
> extract a value in another field and store it in an array for
> subsequent calculation.
> 
> An example: if field $4 == 7 in the n-th row, and field $4 == 8 in the
> n+1st row, store the value of field $10 in array[n].

Assuming you mean field $10 of line n+1 (otherwise store $10 in f10 as
done with f4)...

   awk 'f4==7 && $4==8 {a[NR-1]=$10} {f4=$4}'

(untested)

Janis

> 
> Any help greatly appreciated.
> 
> z.entropic