5 Essential Linux Commands for Viewing File Contents

ZDNet
ZDNet
1y ago
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This article covers five fundamental Linux commands that users can utilize to view the contents of files. These commands are essential for both novice and experienced Linux users who need to inspect file data directly from the terminal. The commands discussed include 'cat', 'less', 'more', 'head', and 'tail', each with its unique functionalities and use cases.
5 Essential Linux Commands for Viewing File Contents
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This article covers five fundamental Linux commands that users can utilize to view the contents of files. These commands are essential for both novice and experienced Linux users who need to inspect file data directly from the terminal. The commands discussed include 'cat', 'less', 'more', 'head', and 'tail', each with its unique functionalities and use cases.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Command 1: cat: The 'cat' command is used to display the contents of a file in the terminal. It's simple and effective for quickly viewing the entire content of a file.

  • 2

    Command 2: less: The 'less' command allows for paginated viewing of file contents, which is handy for large files. It enables scrolling up and down within the file.

  • 3

    Command 3: more: Similar to 'less', the 'more' command also paginates file content but with less functionality compared to 'less'. It's straightforward and easy to use.

  • 4

    Command 4: head: The 'head' command displays the first few lines of a file. By default, it shows the top 10 lines, but this can be adjusted with additional options.

  • 5

    Command 5: tail: The 'tail' command displays the last few lines of a file. It's particularly useful for monitoring log files, and it can be used with the '-f' option to view real-time updates.

Takeaways

The article highlights five essential Linux commands for viewing file contents: cat, less, more, head, and tail. Each command serves a unique purpose and is crucial for efficiently handling and viewing files in a Linux environment.