tail linux command

tail

tail [options] [file]

Print the last 10 lines of the named file (or standard input if - is specified) on standard output.

Options

n k

Begin printing at nth item from end-of-file. k specifies the item to count: l (lines, the default), b (blocks), or c (characters).

k

Same as -n, but use the default count of 10.

n k

Like -n, but start at nth item from beginning of file.

k

Like -k, but count from beginning of file.

-c num, --bytes num

Print last num bytes. An alternate blocksize may be specified:

b

512 bytes

k

1 kilobyte

m

1 megabyte

-f

Don't quit at the end of file; 'follow' file as it grows. End when user presses Ctrl-C.

-n num, --lines num

Print last num lines.

-q, --quiet, --silent

Suppress filename headers.

--version

Print version information and then exit.

Examples

Show the last 20 lines containing instances of .Ah:

Show the last 10 characters of variable name:

Print the last two blocks of bigfile: