Linux Commands | File Management | head Print File Contents from the Top

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head Command

The head command prints file contents from the top. By default, it prints the first 10 lines.

Syntax

head (-number) [file name]

Option

  • -1: Enter the number of lines you want to display.

head Command Examples

Example 1

Print the first 5 lines of /etc/passwd.

head -5 /etc/passwd

Example 2

Print the first 10 lines of /etc/passwd and display line numbers on the left.

head /etc/passwd | cat -n