Linux: cat command

This Linux tutorial explains how to use the Linux cat command with syntax and arguments.

NAME

cat - concatenate files and print on the standard output

SYNOPSIS

cat [OPTION]... [FILE]...

DESCRIPTION

Concatenate FILE(s), or standard input, to standard output.

-A, --show-all

equivalent to -vET

-b, --number-nonblank

number nonempty output lines, overrides -n

-e

equivalent to -vE

-E, --show-ends

display $ at end of each line

-n, --number

number all output lines

-s, --squeeze-blank

suppress repeated empty output lines

-t

equivalent to -vT

-T, --show-tabs

display TAB characters as ^I

-u

(ignored)

-v, --show-nonprinting

use ^ and M- notation, except for LFD and TAB

--help

display this help and exit

--version

output version information and exit

With no FILE, or when FILE is -, read standard input.

EXAMPLES

cat f - g

Output f's contents, then standard input, then g's contents.

cat

Copy standard input to standard output.