grep¶
Tool/Command Name: grep
Purpose: Find patterns in files using regexes.
Basic Syntax/Usage Example:
- Search for a pattern within a file:
grep "<search pattern>" <path/to/file>- Can also search in multiple files:
grep "<search pattern>" <path/to/file1> <path/to/file2>
- Can also search in multiple files:
- Search for an exact string (disables regexes):
grep --fixed-strings "<search string>" <path/to/file> - Search for a pattern in all files recursively in a directory:
grep --recursive "<search pattern>" <path/to/directory>- Search for a pattern in all files recursively in the current directory:
grep --recursive "<search pattern>" .
- Search for a pattern in all files recursively in the current directory:
-
Print $n$ lines of Context around match:
grep --context <number of lines> "<search pattern>" <path/to/file>- Print $n$ lines of Context before match:
grep --before-context <number of lines> "<search pattern>" <path/to/file> - Print $n$ lines of Context after match:
grep --after-context <number of lines> "<search pattern>" <path/to/file>
- Print $n$ lines of Context before match:
Operating System(s): Linux, macOS, (Windows equivalent is Select-String).
Link to Documentation/Homepage: https://www.gnu.org/software/grep/manual/grep.html