cat

cat [options] [files]

Read one or more files and print them on standard output. Read standard input if no files are specified or if - is specified as one of the files; end input with EOF. Use the > shell operator to combine several files into a new file; >> appends files to an existing file.

Options

-b

Like -n, but don't number blank lines. Solaris only.

-e

Print a $ to mark the end of each line. Must be used with -v.

-n

Number lines. Solaris only.

-s

Suppress messages about nonexistent files. (Note: On some systems, -s squeezes out extra blank lines.)

-t

Print each tab as ^I and each form feed as ^L. Must be used with -v.

-u

Print output as unbuffered (default is buffered in blocks or screen lines).

-v

Display control characters and other nonprinting characters.

Examples

cat ch1                   Display a file
cat ch1 ch2 ch3 > all     Combine files
cat note5 >> notes        Append to a file
cat > temp1               Create file at terminal; end with EOF
cat > temp2 << STOP       Create file at terminal; end with STOP