51 lines
1.1 KiB
Markdown
51 lines
1.1 KiB
Markdown
---
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title: Bash Cat
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---
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## Bash Cat
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`cat` is one of the most frequently used commands in Unix operating systems.
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`cat` is used to read a file sequentially and print it to the standard output.
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The name is derived from its function to con**cat**enate files.
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Cat can also be used to create a text file.
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### Usage
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```bash
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cat [options] [file_names]
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```
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Most used options:
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* `-b`, number non-blank output lines
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* `-n`, number all output lines
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* `-s`, squeeze multiple adjacent blank lines
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* `-v`, display non-printing characters, except for tabs and the end of line character
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### Example
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Print in terminal the content of file.txt:
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```bash
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cat file.txt
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```
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Concatenate the content of the two files and display the result in terminal:
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```bash
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cat file1.txt file2.txt
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```
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**Tip**: Using `cat` on a directory will cause error, so make sure it's a readable file.
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Creating a new text file:
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```bash
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cat > yourfile.txt
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```
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After pressing Enter, the cursor will be placed on the next line. You can start entering your desired text directly into your file. Press Ctrl+D or Ctrl+C to exit the file.
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#### More Information:
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* Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_(Unix)
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