How to Display Contents of a File in Linux

In Linux, viewing the contents of a file is a fundamental task that can be performed using various command-line tools. Each tool has its own unique features and use cases, catering to different user needs. This article explores several methods to display file contents in Linux, providing examples and use cases for each.

1. Using

cat

The simplest and most common command to display file contents is

. This command concatenates and displays the content of files.

Syntax:

Example:

Output: This will display the entire content of

in the terminal.

Options:

• -n
  : Number all output lines.
• -b
  : Number non-empty output lines only.

Use Case:

is useful for quickly viewing the entire content of a small file.

2. Using

less

For larger files,

is a more efficient tool as it allows for paginated viewing. You can scroll through the content easily.

Syntax:

Example:

Usage: Use the arrow keys to scroll up and down, and press

to quit.

Use Case:

is ideal for viewing large log files or documentation without overwhelming the terminal.

3. Using

more

Similar to

, the command also allows for paginated viewing, but with more limitations on navigation.

Syntax:

Example:

Usage: Press the space bar to scroll down a page or

to scroll down a line.

Use Case:

is useful for viewing files when you only need to scroll forward, such as during presentations.

4. Using

head

If you only want to view the beginning of a file, the

command is perfect. It displays the first few lines.

Syntax:

Example:

Output: This will display the first 10 lines of

.

Options:

• -n [number]
  : Specify the number of lines to display from the beginning.

Use Case:

is useful for quickly checking the format or contents of configuration files.

5. Using

tail

Conversely,

shows the last few lines of a file. It is particularly useful for monitoring log files in real-time.

Syntax:

Example:

Output: This displays the last 10 lines of example.txt.

Options:

• -f: Follow the output in real-time, which is useful for log monitoring.

Use Case:

tail -f is ideal for monitoring active log files, such as system logs or application logs.

Conclusion

Displaying the contents of files in Linux can be accomplished through various commands, each suited for different tasks. Whether you’re quickly checking a small file with cat, paging through a large file with less, or monitoring logs with tail, these tools enhance your efficiency on the command line. Mastering these commands is essential for any Linux user, whether you’re a novice or an experienced administrator.

For more details on these commands, you can explore the official Linux documentation or other reliable resources like Linux Command and SS64.