getpwent

Returns an entry from the /etc/passwd file. The first time it is called it opens the file and returns the first entry; each successive call returns the next entry, or nil if the end of the file has been reached.

To close the file when processing is complete, call endpwent.

Each entry is returned as a Struct::Passwd:

• Passwd#name contains the short login name of the user as a String.

• Passwd#passwd contains the encrypted password of the user as a String.

an 'x' is returned if shadow passwords are in use. An '*' is returned
if the user cannot log in using a password.

• Passwd#uid contains the integer user ID (uid) of the user.

• Passwd#gid contains the integer group ID (gid) of the user’s primary group.

• Passwd#gecos contains a longer String description of the user, such as

a full name. Some Unix systems provide structured information in the
gecos field, but this is system-dependent.

• Passwd#dir contains the path to the home directory of the user as a String.

• Passwd#shell contains the path to the login shell of the user as a String.