Displays the first few lines or bytes of a file or files.
head [ -Count | -c Number | -n Number ] [ File ... ]
The head command writes to standard output a specified number of lines or bytes of each of the specified files, or of the standard input. If no flag is specified with the head command, the first 10 lines are displayed by default. The File parameter specifies the names of the input files. An input file must be a text file.
This command returns the following exit values:
0 | Successful completion. |
>0 | An error occurred. |
To display the first five lines of the Test file, enter:
head -5 Test
head -n 5 Test
The tail command.
Files Overview in AIX Version 4.3 System User's Guide: Operating System and Devices.
Input and Output Redirection Overview in AIX Version 4.3 System User's Guide: Operating System and Devices.