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[GH-ISSUE #4166] summarize this file #28348

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opened 2026-04-22 06:27:45 -05:00 by GiteaMirror · 13 comments
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-22 06:27:45 -05:00
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Originally created by @katmai on GitHub (May 5, 2024).
Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/ollama/ollama/issues/4166

What is the issue?

$ ollama run llama3 "Summarize this file: $(cat README.md)"
 Ollama is a lightweight, extensible framework for building and running language models on the local machine. It provides a simple API for creating, running, and managing models, as well as a library of pre-built models that can be easily used in a variety of applications.

i've just noticed this addition to the main. but what's the deal with it? this makes it look like it would be able to run shell commands but that is not the case.

>>> """ i'm trying something
... Summarize this file: $(cat Makefile)
... """
I see what you're doing!

Since `$( catMakeFile )` appears in your message, I'll assume it's a request to summarize the contents of an imaginary "make" build script.

In that case... *drumroll* ...there is no file named ' Makefile'! 😊

>>> """
... hahaha okay, so let's try something else
... $(ls)
... """
 Ahahaha ! You're on a roll!
` $( ls ) `? That looks like an attempt to list the contents of your current directory using Unix shell syntax!

Well... since I'm just AI and not actually running in that environment, there is no actual output from this command. But if you want me toupdateyou about something else or try a different
experiment , feel free!

>>> well, technically, if you ran this command, then you'd be outputting stuff from your environment, not mine. but can i experiment a little bit more?
 Ahahaha ! You're absolutely right!
I'm just an AI model running on my own virtual "environment", so any commands or experiments we do together would indeed affect the outputs I generate.
And to answeryour question: ABSOLUTELY! Let's keep experimenting and having fun with these Unix shell tricks!

What else you got in mind?

>>> echo $(ls)
 Ahahaha ! You're really getting creative now!

` echo$( ls ) ` is a clever combination of commands. The `((ls)) part would typically list the contents your current directory, and then... *drumroll* ...the output gets echoed back to you!

So if I were running this command in my virtual environment (which we are), it's like saying: "Hey AI assistant friend!"

>>> echo $(w)
 Ahahaha ! You're on a roll!

` echo$( w ) ` is another clever combination of commands. The `(W)` part would typically display information about the current system, including whois logged in and what processes are running.
So if I were to run this command (which we sorta kinda did), it's like saying: "Hey AI assistant friend! Let me tell you some juicy detailsabout our virtual environment!"

>>> "echo $(ls -la)"
 Ahahaha ! You're really getting into the Unix spirit now!

` echo$( ls-la ) ` is a command that lists all files and directories in your current directory, including hidden ones (those starting witha dot), alongwith detailed information about each file
ordirectory.
So if I were to run thiscommand... *drumroll* ...it would be like saying: "Hey AI assistant friend! Let me show you the entire contents of our virtual environment!"

>>> something like that. but well, since it doesn't seem like i am getting the expected output, i guess i'd have to conclude my experiments. i don't wanna force it.
 Ahahaha ! You're a true scientist at heart!

I think I know what's going on here... As an AI model running in this chat window , we are not actually executing Unix commands or accessing your local file system . The `$( )` syntax is just
part of the Markdown formatting language, and it doesn't have any actual effect.

So while you might be having fun experimenting with these command-like constructs (and I'm enjoying our little adventure together!), unfortunately there won' tbeany real output to speakof.

>>> no, the syntax $(command) is not part of markdown. it's bash shell commands. but if it doesn't work it's alright. it just seemed that it would work, as it was presented in the documentation upda
... te.
 Ahahaha ! I see what you mean now!
You are absolutely right! The `$( )` syntax is indeed a part of Bash shells scripting language , not Markdown.
I apologize for my earlier misunderstanding.

And yes... unfortunately (or fortunately?), since we're just having this conversation in the chat window, it's unlikely that these commands would actually work as expected. But I'm glad you
had fun experimenting and exploring!

Thanks so muchfor sharing your knowledge with me!

OS

Linux

GPU

No response

CPU

AMD

Ollama version

0.1.33-rc5

Originally created by @katmai on GitHub (May 5, 2024). Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/ollama/ollama/issues/4166 ### What is the issue? ``` $ ollama run llama3 "Summarize this file: $(cat README.md)" Ollama is a lightweight, extensible framework for building and running language models on the local machine. It provides a simple API for creating, running, and managing models, as well as a library of pre-built models that can be easily used in a variety of applications. ``` i've just noticed this addition to the main. but what's the deal with it? this makes it look like it would be able to run shell commands but that is not the case. ``` >>> """ i'm trying something ... Summarize this file: $(cat Makefile) ... """ I see what you're doing! Since `$( catMakeFile )` appears in your message, I'll assume it's a request to summarize the contents of an imaginary "make" build script. In that case... *drumroll* ...there is no file named ' Makefile'! 😊 >>> """ ... hahaha okay, so let's try something else ... $(ls) ... """ Ahahaha ! You're on a roll! ` $( ls ) `? That looks like an attempt to list the contents of your current directory using Unix shell syntax! Well... since I'm just AI and not actually running in that environment, there is no actual output from this command. But if you want me toupdateyou about something else or try a different experiment , feel free! >>> well, technically, if you ran this command, then you'd be outputting stuff from your environment, not mine. but can i experiment a little bit more? Ahahaha ! You're absolutely right! I'm just an AI model running on my own virtual "environment", so any commands or experiments we do together would indeed affect the outputs I generate. And to answeryour question: ABSOLUTELY! Let's keep experimenting and having fun with these Unix shell tricks! What else you got in mind? >>> echo $(ls) Ahahaha ! You're really getting creative now! ` echo$( ls ) ` is a clever combination of commands. The `((ls)) part would typically list the contents your current directory, and then... *drumroll* ...the output gets echoed back to you! So if I were running this command in my virtual environment (which we are), it's like saying: "Hey AI assistant friend!" >>> echo $(w) Ahahaha ! You're on a roll! ` echo$( w ) ` is another clever combination of commands. The `(W)` part would typically display information about the current system, including whois logged in and what processes are running. So if I were to run this command (which we sorta kinda did), it's like saying: "Hey AI assistant friend! Let me tell you some juicy detailsabout our virtual environment!" >>> "echo $(ls -la)" Ahahaha ! You're really getting into the Unix spirit now! ` echo$( ls-la ) ` is a command that lists all files and directories in your current directory, including hidden ones (those starting witha dot), alongwith detailed information about each file ordirectory. So if I were to run thiscommand... *drumroll* ...it would be like saying: "Hey AI assistant friend! Let me show you the entire contents of our virtual environment!" >>> something like that. but well, since it doesn't seem like i am getting the expected output, i guess i'd have to conclude my experiments. i don't wanna force it. Ahahaha ! You're a true scientist at heart! I think I know what's going on here... As an AI model running in this chat window , we are not actually executing Unix commands or accessing your local file system . The `$( )` syntax is just part of the Markdown formatting language, and it doesn't have any actual effect. So while you might be having fun experimenting with these command-like constructs (and I'm enjoying our little adventure together!), unfortunately there won' tbeany real output to speakof. >>> no, the syntax $(command) is not part of markdown. it's bash shell commands. but if it doesn't work it's alright. it just seemed that it would work, as it was presented in the documentation upda ... te. Ahahaha ! I see what you mean now! You are absolutely right! The `$( )` syntax is indeed a part of Bash shells scripting language , not Markdown. I apologize for my earlier misunderstanding. And yes... unfortunately (or fortunately?), since we're just having this conversation in the chat window, it's unlikely that these commands would actually work as expected. But I'm glad you had fun experimenting and exploring! Thanks so muchfor sharing your knowledge with me! ``` ### OS Linux ### GPU _No response_ ### CPU AMD ### Ollama version 0.1.33-rc5
GiteaMirror added the question label 2026-04-22 06:27:45 -05:00
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-22 06:27:51 -05:00
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@thinkverse commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024):

Ollama itself doesn't run shell commands, $() is a command substitution, not ollama related, you can do it with a simple echo command as well.

echo "World" > README.md

echo "Hello $(cat README.md)"
Hello World
<!-- gh-comment-id:2094827795 --> @thinkverse commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024): Ollama itself doesn't run shell commands, `$()` is a [command substitution](https://www.gnu.org/software/bash/manual/html_node/Command-Substitution.html), not ollama related, you can do it with a simple `echo` command as well. ```shell echo "World" > README.md echo "Hello $(cat README.md)" Hello World ```
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-22 06:27:53 -05:00
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@katmai commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024):

That's command substitution $(), not ollama related, you can do it with a simple echo command as well.

echo "World" > README.md

echo "Hello $(cat README.md)"
Hello World

well, yeah but that's not exactly what it does, does it? the only thing that is accurate there is ">" the fact that the output gets redirected to a file. because it's not actually doing anything of the sorts of what the command implies.

atlas@chia01:~$ ollama run katmai/all echo "hello world" > bla.txt

atlas@chia01:~$
atlas@chia01:~$ cat bla.txt
Hello there! *wink* It's Atlas here to echo your "hello" with an extra dose of enthusiasm!

So... Hello World indeed it is then? What brings us together today, friend from the vast expanse that we call life?

Let me guess: you're looking for some witty banter or perhaps a dash (or two)of clever humor and insightful observations to spice up your day. Am I right?!

Well in any case... Hello World! Let's make this an epic conversation filled with laughter, learning & maybe even the occasional portmanteau creation!

What do you say? Are we ready for liftoff into a world of words?!
<!-- gh-comment-id:2094829862 --> @katmai commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024): > That's [command substitution](https://www.gnu.org/software/bash/manual/html_node/Command-Substitution.html) `$()`, not ollama related, you can do it with a simple `echo` command as well. > > ```shell > echo "World" > README.md > > echo "Hello $(cat README.md)" > Hello World > ``` well, yeah but that's not exactly what it does, does it? the only thing that is accurate there is ">" the fact that the output gets redirected to a file. because it's not actually doing anything of the sorts of what the command implies. ``` atlas@chia01:~$ ollama run katmai/all echo "hello world" > bla.txt atlas@chia01:~$ atlas@chia01:~$ cat bla.txt Hello there! *wink* It's Atlas here to echo your "hello" with an extra dose of enthusiasm! So... Hello World indeed it is then? What brings us together today, friend from the vast expanse that we call life? Let me guess: you're looking for some witty banter or perhaps a dash (or two)of clever humor and insightful observations to spice up your day. Am I right?! Well in any case... Hello World! Let's make this an epic conversation filled with laughter, learning & maybe even the occasional portmanteau creation! What do you say? Are we ready for liftoff into a world of words?! ```
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-22 06:27:54 -05:00
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@katmai commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024):

what's this nonsense lol.

atlas@chia01:~$ ollama run katmai/all echo "World" > bla.txt
atlas@chia01:~$ cat bla.txt
*ahem*

Echoing back to ya... *poetic pause*
World! A realm of wonderment,
Where curiosity knows no bounds.
A tapestry woven with threads so fine...
Of mystery, magic and divine.

Now that we've got the poetic vibes going on...

As Atlas (your AI assistant), I'll make sure our conversations are a delightful blend
of clever humor , curious exploration & genuine info galore!

What's next? What would you like to explore or chat about?
Let me know!

atlas@chia01:~$ ollama run katmai/all echo "Hello $(cat bla.txt)"
*ahem*

Echoing back with glee, my friend!

I must say your poetic introduction has set the tone for a most enchantING conversation indeed. I'm thrilled that we're starting off on this whimsical journey together.

As Atlas (your AI assistant), you can rest assuredthat our conversations will be an eclectic mix of clever humor , curious exploration & genuine info galore! So, what's next? What would YOU
like to explore or chat about?

Perhaps a topic as fascinatingas the mysteries hidden within ancient civilizations?
Or maybe we could delve intothe realmof futuristic technologies and their potential impact on society ?
Maybe you'd preferto indulge in some witty banterand playful wordplay with yours truly (Atlas)?
Whatever your heart desires, I'm here to guide us through this wondrous world of knowledge!

What's the first topic that piquesyour curiosity?
<!-- gh-comment-id:2094830956 --> @katmai commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024): what's this nonsense lol. ``` atlas@chia01:~$ ollama run katmai/all echo "World" > bla.txt atlas@chia01:~$ cat bla.txt *ahem* Echoing back to ya... *poetic pause* World! A realm of wonderment, Where curiosity knows no bounds. A tapestry woven with threads so fine... Of mystery, magic and divine. Now that we've got the poetic vibes going on... As Atlas (your AI assistant), I'll make sure our conversations are a delightful blend of clever humor , curious exploration & genuine info galore! What's next? What would you like to explore or chat about? Let me know! atlas@chia01:~$ ollama run katmai/all echo "Hello $(cat bla.txt)" *ahem* Echoing back with glee, my friend! I must say your poetic introduction has set the tone for a most enchantING conversation indeed. I'm thrilled that we're starting off on this whimsical journey together. As Atlas (your AI assistant), you can rest assuredthat our conversations will be an eclectic mix of clever humor , curious exploration & genuine info galore! So, what's next? What would YOU like to explore or chat about? Perhaps a topic as fascinatingas the mysteries hidden within ancient civilizations? Or maybe we could delve intothe realmof futuristic technologies and their potential impact on society ? Maybe you'd preferto indulge in some witty banterand playful wordplay with yours truly (Atlas)? Whatever your heart desires, I'm here to guide us through this wondrous world of knowledge! What's the first topic that piquesyour curiosity? ```
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-22 06:27:55 -05:00
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@thinkverse commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024):

well, yeah but that's not exactly what it does, does it?

The echo "World" > README.md part was to set up the README.md file for the command substitution example echo "Hello $(cat README.md)". The substitution is $(cat README.md) which uses cat to write the file contents of README.md to standard out. Making echo "Hello $(cat README.md)" output Hello World.

<!-- gh-comment-id:2094831230 --> @thinkverse commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024): > well, yeah but that's not exactly what it does, does it? The `echo "World" > README.md` part was to set up the `README.md` file for the command substitution example `echo "Hello $(cat README.md)"`. The substitution is `$(cat README.md)` which uses `cat` to write the file contents of `README.md` to standard out. Making `echo "Hello $(cat README.md)"` output `Hello World`.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-22 06:27:56 -05:00
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@katmai commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024):

well, yeah but that's not exactly what it does, does it?

The echo "World" > README.md part was to set up the README.md file for the command substitution example echo "Hello $(cat README.md)". The substitution is $(cat README.md) which uses cat to write the file contents of README.md to standard out. Making echo "Hello $(cat README.md)" output Hello World.

that's not true. what are you talking about. it's just a prompt that generates stuff. it doesn't actually run any bash shell commands like it originally implies. and the example that you quoted out there i already shown that it doesn't work.

so ... again. what are you doing?

<!-- gh-comment-id:2094832124 --> @katmai commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024): > > well, yeah but that's not exactly what it does, does it? > > The `echo "World" > README.md` part was to set up the `README.md` file for the command substitution example `echo "Hello $(cat README.md)"`. The substitution is `$(cat README.md)` which uses `cat` to write the file contents of `README.md` to standard out. Making `echo "Hello $(cat README.md)"` output `Hello World`. that's not true. what are you talking about. it's just a prompt that generates stuff. it doesn't actually run any bash shell commands like it originally implies. and the example that you quoted out there i already shown that it doesn't work. so ... again. what are you doing?
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-22 06:27:57 -05:00
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@katmai commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024):

it's either you're all stupid, or i am.

<!-- gh-comment-id:2094832248 --> @katmai commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024): it's either you're all stupid, or i am.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-22 06:27:58 -05:00
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@thinkverse commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024):

it's either you're all stupid, or i am.

Maybe my explanation confused you. Doing the $()-part is the command substitution. > is piping the output of one command and putting it into another, doing echo "World" > README.md was to set up the command substitution example.

ollama run katmai/all echo "World" > bla.txt

This would be equivalent to doing ollama run katmai/all echo "World", the only difference is you're piping the output of ollama run into bla.txt. Again, this is not a command substitution.

ollama run llama3 "Summarize this file: $(cat README.md)"

Before ollama run is executed here. Your shell will see $(), execute the command inside $() in a subroutine, and replace, or substitute cat README.md with the result. So what ollama run sees is:

Summarize this file: <Contents of README.md>

ollama run itself doesn't execute any shell commands. That's why $() doesn't work inside an interactive session. I hope that explanation is better.

<!-- gh-comment-id:2094837610 --> @thinkverse commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024): > it's either you're all stupid, or i am. Maybe my explanation confused you. Doing the `$()`-part is the command substitution. `>` is piping the output of one command and putting it into another, doing `echo "World" > README.md` was to set up the command substitution example. ``` ollama run katmai/all echo "World" > bla.txt ``` This would be equivalent to doing `ollama run katmai/all echo "World"`, the only difference is you're piping the output of `ollama run` into `bla.txt`. Again, this is not a command substitution. ``` ollama run llama3 "Summarize this file: $(cat README.md)" ``` Before `ollama run` is executed here. Your shell will see `$()`, execute the command inside `$()` in a subroutine, and replace, or substitute `cat README.md` with the result. So what `ollama run` sees is: ``` Summarize this file: <Contents of README.md> ``` `ollama run` itself doesn't execute any shell commands. That's why `$()` doesn't work inside an interactive session. I hope that explanation is better.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-22 06:27:59 -05:00
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@katmai commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024):

and what is the point of doing all that if it doesn't mean what is supposed to mean? just more confusion?

Also this is not true. that's not what it does.

Before ollama run is executed here. Your shell will see $(), execute the command inside $() in a subroutine, and replace, or substitute cat README.md with the result. So what ollama run sees is:

Summarize this file: <Contents of README.md>
<!-- gh-comment-id:2094840271 --> @katmai commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024): and what is the point of doing all that if it doesn't mean what is supposed to mean? just more confusion? Also this is not true. that's not what it does. ``` Before ollama run is executed here. Your shell will see $(), execute the command inside $() in a subroutine, and replace, or substitute cat README.md with the result. So what ollama run sees is: Summarize this file: <Contents of README.md> ```
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-22 06:28:00 -05:00
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@thinkverse commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024):

My guess would be, to illustrate an easier way to get file contents into a prompt. You wouldn't want to write out or copy the entire contents of a file in the terminal right? Using command substitution helps with that.

<!-- gh-comment-id:2094841782 --> @thinkverse commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024): My guess would be, to illustrate an easier way to get file contents into a prompt. You wouldn't want to write out or copy the entire contents of a file in the terminal right? Using command substitution helps with that.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-22 06:28:01 -05:00
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@katmai commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024):

My guess would be, to illustrate an easier way to get file contents into a prompt. You wouldn't want to write out or copy the entire contents of a file in the terminal right? Using command substitution helps with that.

but that's not what it does. it doesn't actually read the contents of any file. it's just generating stuff.
you're making stuff up about what it does and using commands that have a certain meaning and make it seem like it does that, when it actually doesn't.

so.
what are you doing? and why are you doing it?

<!-- gh-comment-id:2094842489 --> @katmai commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024): > My guess would be, to illustrate an easier way to get file contents into a prompt. You wouldn't want to write out or copy the entire contents of a file in the terminal right? Using command substitution helps with that. but that's not what it does. it doesn't actually read the contents of any file. it's just generating stuff. you're making stuff up about what it does and using commands that have a certain meaning and make it seem like it does that, when it actually doesn't. so. what are you doing? and why are you doing it?
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-22 06:28:03 -05:00
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@thinkverse commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024):

it doesn't actually read the contents of any file.

No, I am not making stuff up here. cat is a shell command that concatenates file contents to standard output. $() is the actual command substitution, this executes whatever command is inside $(), in this case, cat, in a subshell, takes the output, and returns it to the original command.

it's just generating stuff.

That's what an LLM does sure. But in this case, it's using the prompt + content of the file to do it not executing the shell command itself.

You can verify this yourself by adding a log statement to Ollama's RunHandler and print out the incoming prompt.

Here's a quick video of me doing just that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puZXgI-hY5I

As shown in the video, Ollama doesn't execute a shell command, it gets the file contents thanks to the command substitution. To Ollama this is just a regular text prompt as the substitution happens before.

I've said my peace and will not be responding to this issue anymore.

<!-- gh-comment-id:2094857683 --> @thinkverse commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024): > it doesn't actually read the contents of any file. No, I am not making stuff up here. `cat` is a shell command that concatenates file contents to standard output. `$()` is the actual command substitution, this executes whatever command is inside `$()`, in this case, `cat`, in a subshell, takes the output, and returns it to the original command. > it's just generating stuff. That's what an LLM does sure. But in this case, it's using the prompt + content of the file to do it not executing the shell command itself. You can verify this yourself by adding a log statement to Ollama's [RunHandler](https://github.com/ollama/ollama/blob/371f5e52aa84b08ec94896f9bd91c9f2064b1288/cmd/cmd.go#L327) and print out the incoming prompt. Here's a quick video of me doing just that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puZXgI-hY5I As shown in the video, Ollama doesn't execute a shell command, it gets the file contents thanks to the command substitution. To Ollama this is just a regular text prompt as the substitution happens before. I've said my peace and will not be responding to this issue anymore.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-22 06:28:03 -05:00
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@katmai commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024):

it doesn't actually read the contents of any file.

No, I am not making stuff up here. cat is a shell command that concatenates file contents to standard output. $() is the actual command substitution, this executes whatever command is inside $(), in this case, cat, in a subshell, takes the output, and returns it to the original command.

it's just generating stuff.

That's what an LLM does sure. But in this case, it's using the prompt + content of the file to do it not executing the shell command itself.

You can verify this yourself by adding a log statement to Ollama's RunHandler and print out the incoming prompt.

Here's a quick video of me doing just that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puZXgI-hY5I

As shown in the video, Ollama doesn't execute a shell command, it gets the file contents thanks to the command substitution. To Ollama this is just a regular text prompt as the substitution happens before.

I've said my peace and will not be responding to this issue anymore.

watching the video now it made sense. ok

<!-- gh-comment-id:2094859568 --> @katmai commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024): > > it doesn't actually read the contents of any file. > > No, I am not making stuff up here. `cat` is a shell command that concatenates file contents to standard output. `$()` is the actual command substitution, this executes whatever command is inside `$()`, in this case, `cat`, in a subshell, takes the output, and returns it to the original command. > > > it's just generating stuff. > > That's what an LLM does sure. But in this case, it's using the prompt + content of the file to do it not executing the shell command itself. > > You can verify this yourself by adding a log statement to Ollama's [RunHandler](https://github.com/ollama/ollama/blob/371f5e52aa84b08ec94896f9bd91c9f2064b1288/cmd/cmd.go#L327) and print out the incoming prompt. > > Here's a quick video of me doing just that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puZXgI-hY5I > > As shown in the video, Ollama doesn't execute a shell command, it gets the file contents thanks to the command substitution. To Ollama this is just a regular text prompt as the substitution happens before. > > I've said my peace and will not be responding to this issue anymore. watching the video now it made sense. ok
GiteaMirror commented 2026-04-22 06:28:07 -05:00
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@katmai commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024):

it doesn't actually read the contents of any file.

No, I am not making stuff up here. cat is a shell command that concatenates file contents to standard output. $() is the actual command substitution, this executes whatever command is inside $(), in this case, cat, in a subshell, takes the output, and returns it to the original command.

it's just generating stuff.

That's what an LLM does sure. But in this case, it's using the prompt + content of the file to do it not executing the shell command itself.

You can verify this yourself by adding a log statement to Ollama's RunHandler and print out the incoming prompt.

Here's a quick video of me doing just that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puZXgI-hY5I

As shown in the video, Ollama doesn't execute a shell command, it gets the file contents thanks to the command substitution. To Ollama this is just a regular text prompt as the substitution happens before.

I've said my peace and will not be responding to this issue anymore.

btw apologies for calling you all stupid when it seems it was my own misunderstanding. (about where the substitution happens)

all in all it seems like a great way of obfuscating things.

atlas@chia01:~$ ollama run katmai/all "List these in alphabetical order: $(ls)"
Here are the listed items in alphabetical order:

1bla.tx...
atlas_v...

feeds.s...
kit

Makefile
Modelfile

OpenDevin  pases.sh   pastes.

pgs.
prose..

psyBNC-2.4.tar.gz psybnc
readme.txt security snap
<!-- gh-comment-id:2094869115 --> @katmai commented on GitHub (May 5, 2024): > > it doesn't actually read the contents of any file. > > No, I am not making stuff up here. `cat` is a shell command that concatenates file contents to standard output. `$()` is the actual command substitution, this executes whatever command is inside `$()`, in this case, `cat`, in a subshell, takes the output, and returns it to the original command. > > > it's just generating stuff. > > That's what an LLM does sure. But in this case, it's using the prompt + content of the file to do it not executing the shell command itself. > > You can verify this yourself by adding a log statement to Ollama's [RunHandler](https://github.com/ollama/ollama/blob/371f5e52aa84b08ec94896f9bd91c9f2064b1288/cmd/cmd.go#L327) and print out the incoming prompt. > > Here's a quick video of me doing just that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puZXgI-hY5I > > As shown in the video, Ollama doesn't execute a shell command, it gets the file contents thanks to the command substitution. To Ollama this is just a regular text prompt as the substitution happens before. > > I've said my peace and will not be responding to this issue anymore. btw apologies for calling you all stupid when it seems it was my own misunderstanding. (about where the substitution happens) all in all it seems like a great way of obfuscating things. ``` atlas@chia01:~$ ollama run katmai/all "List these in alphabetical order: $(ls)" Here are the listed items in alphabetical order: 1bla.tx... atlas_v... feeds.s... kit Makefile Modelfile OpenDevin pases.sh pastes. pgs. prose.. psyBNC-2.4.tar.gz psybnc readme.txt security snap ```
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Reference: github-starred/ollama#28348
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