Linux / Unix Command: printf

Command Library

NAME

printf - format and print data  

SYNOPSIS

printf FORMAT [ARGUMENT]...
printf OPTION  

DESCRIPTION

NOTE: your shell may have its own version of printf which will supercede the version described here. Please refer to your shell's documentation for details about the options it supports.

Print ARGUMENT(s) according to FORMAT.

--help

display this help and exit

--version

output version information and exit

FORMAT controls the output as in C printf. Interpreted sequences are:

\"

double quote

\0NNN

character with octal value NNN (0 to 3 digits)

\\

backslash

\a

alert (BEL)

\b

backspace

\c

produce no further output

\f

form feed

\n

new line

\r

carriage return

\t

horizontal tab

\v

vertical tab

\xNNN

byte with hexadecimal value NNN (1 to 3 digits)

\uNNNN

character with hexadecimal value NNNN (4 digits)

\UNNNNNNNN

character with hexadecimal value NNNNNNNN (8 digits)

%%

a single %

%b

ARGUMENT as a string with `\' escapes interpreted

and all C format specifications ending with one of diouxXfeEgGcs, with ARGUMENTs converted to proper type first. Variable widths are handled.  

SEE ALSO

The full documentation for printf is maintained as a Texinfo manual. If the info and printf programs are properly installed at your site, the command

info printf

should give you access to the complete manual.

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Important: Use the man command (% man) to see how a command is used on your particular computer.

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