02/18   date +"x%m/x%d" | sed 's/x0*//g'
        \_ Why not just say "2/18"?
                \_ strangely enough, this is a university with an intl
                   reputation and many intl students.  this is also a
                   university with many pretentious students who want
                   you to think that they are suave and intl.
                   \_ You mean pretentious?  If its ok with you, I'll just
                      stick with "2/18" for today.
        \_ Why not say "18/2"?
        \_ Why not say
              date +"%m/%d" | sed 's/0\([0-9]\)/\1/g'
                \_ cuz you can use 'x' as magic marker.
                   \_ is it permanent or one of those water soluble ones?
                   \_ but using markers is inelegant.
                    \_ Actually its a nice trick and easier to read.
                      \_ but it doesn't teach you what to do if you don't get
                         to control the initial output format. The second
                         one does.
                        \_ but you do get to control date's output format via
                           '+'.  the date and sed are meant to work together.
                           \_ You're still missing the point.
                                \_ I see your point.  You're being academic.
                                   Out here in the RW, I think it's a nice
                                   trick and makes it easier to read.  I'm
                                   not in some CS class.  I work and like to
                                   see the little tricks other people use in
                                   their work which may apply to mine.