1.4 KiB
1.4 KiB
📘 Using head and tail Commands in Linux/Unix
Both head and tail are essential commands for viewing specific portions of a file quickly, without opening the entire file.
🔝 head — Show the Top of a File
The head command displays the beginning part of a file.
Syntax
head [options] file
Examples
head file1
Description:
Displays the first 10 lines of file1 (default behavior).
head -n 5 file1
Description:
Shows the first 5 lines of file1.
🔚 tail — Show the Bottom of a File
The tail command displays the end part of a file.
Syntax
tail [options] file
Examples
tail file1
Description:
Displays the last 10 lines of file1 (default behavior).
tail -n 20 file1
Description:
Shows the last 20 lines of file1.
tail -f file1
Description: Follows the file as it grows — useful for watching logs in real-time.
✅ Summary of Options
| Command | Option | Description |
|---|---|---|
head |
-n <number> |
Show the first <number> lines |
tail |
-n <number> |
Show the last <number> lines |
tail |
-f |
Follow the file in real-time (live updates) |