Which command is used to count the number of lines in a file?

Prepare for the LPI 101-500 Certification Exam. Utilize flashcards, navigate multiple choice questions, and benefit from hints and explanations. Begin your Linux certification journey today!

The command used to count the number of lines in a file is "wc," which stands for word count. When used with the "-l" option (i.e., wc -l), this command specifically counts and displays the number of lines in the provided file. It is a versatile command that can also count words and characters when used with different options, but for line counting, "-l" is the appropriate flag.

Other commands mentioned do not serve the same primary purpose. For instance, "count" is not a standard Linux command and would yield an error if attempted. The "grep -c" command counts the number of lines that match a specific pattern or expression rather than counting all lines; it is more suited for searching. The "cat -n" command, on the other hand, displays the contents of a file with line numbers but does not provide a count of total lines directly. Thus, the correct choice for counting lines in a file is indeed "wc."

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy