GNU Info

(textutils.info)head invocation

---

Next: tail invocation Up: Output of parts of files

---

Enter node , (file) or (file)node

`head': Output the first part of files
======================================

   `head' prints the first part (10 lines by default) of each FILE; it
reads from standard input if no files are given or when given a FILE of
`-'.  Synopses:

     head [OPTION]... [FILE]...
     head -NUMBER [OPTION]... [FILE]...

   If more than one FILE is specified, `head' prints a one-line header
consisting of
     ==> FILE NAME <==

before the output for each FILE.

   `head' accepts two option formats: the new one, in which numbers are
arguments to the options (`-q -n 1'), and the old one, in which the
number precedes any option letters (`-1q').

   The program accepts the following options.  Also see Note: Common
options.

`-COUNTOPTIONS'
     This option is only recognized if it is specified first.  COUNT is
     a decimal number optionally followed by a size letter (`b', `k',
     `m') as in `-c', or `l' to mean count by lines, or other option
     letters (`cqv').

`-c BYTES'
`--bytes=BYTES'
     Print the first BYTES bytes, instead of initial lines.  Appending
     `b' multiplies BYTES by 512, `k' by 1024, and `m' by 1048576.

`-n N'
`--lines=N'
     Output the first N lines.

`-q'
`--quiet'
`--silent'
     Never print file name headers.

`-v'
`--verbose'
     Always print file name headers.