NAME

sortm − sort messages

SYNTAX

sortm [+folder] [msgs] [−datefield field] [−verbose] [−noverbose] [−help]

DESCRIPTION

The sortm command sorts the specified messages in the named folder according to the chronological order of the “Date:” field of each message. Messages which are in the folder, but not specified by ‘msgs’, are moved to the end of the folder. If a message does not exist (the folder has a gap), sortm may fill the gap if convenient.

The −verbose switch directs sortm to tell the user the general actions that it is taking to place the folder in sorted order.

The −datefield field switch tells sortm the name of the field to use when making the date comparison. If the user has a special field in each message, such as “BB−Posted:” or “Delivery−Date:”, then the −datefield switch can be used to direct sortm which field to examine.

If a folder is given, it will become the current folder.  If the current message is moved, sortm will preserve its status as current. 

HISTORY

Time zones used to be ignored when comparing dates: they aren’t any more. 

DEFAULTS

+folderdefaults to the current folder
msgsdefaults to all
−datefield date
−noverbose

RESTRICTIONS

If sortm encounters a message without a date−field, or if the message has a date−field that sortm cannot parse, then sortm attempts to keep the message in the same relative position. This does not always work. For instance, if the first message encountered lacks a date which can be parsed, then it will usually be placed at the end of the messages being sorted.

When sortm complains about a message which it can’t temporarily order, it complains about the message number prior to sorting. It should indicate what the message number will be after sorting. 

FILES

$HOME/.mh_profile user profile
Path:determine the user’s MH directory
Current−Folder:find the default current folder

SEE ALSO

folder (1)