Back to Commands

tee

file managementLinux/Unix
The tee command is one of the most frequently used commands in Linux/Unix-like operating systems. tee Sample fallback description for tee
See ExamplesView Syntax

Quick Reference

Command Name:

tee

Category:

file management

Platform:

Linux/Unix

Basic Usage:

tee [options] [arguments]

Common Use Cases

  • 1

    Text redirection

    Redirect output to both the console and files

  • 2

    Logging

    Capture output for logging and debugging

  • 3

    Scripting

    Use in shell scripts to redirect output programmatically

  • 4

    Data processing

    Manipulate and transform text data

Syntax

tee [OPTION]... [FILE]...

Options

Option Description
-l Use a long listing format
-a Show hidden entries starting with .
-h Human-readable sizes
-R List subdirectories recursively

Examples

How to Use These Examples

The examples below show common ways to use the tee command. Try them in your terminal to see the results. You can copy any example by clicking on the code block.

Basic Examples:

ls
List files in the current directory.
ls -l
List files in long format with details.
ls -a
List all files including hidden ones.

Advanced Examples:

ls -lah Detailed list with human-readable sizes. ls -R List directories recursively.

Try It Yourself

Practice makes perfect! The best way to learn is by trying these examples on your own system with real files.

Understanding Syntax

Pay attention to the syntax coloring: commands, options, and file paths are highlighted differently.

Notes

These are sample notes for the tee command.

Tips & Tricks

1

Use the -a option to append to the given file instead of overwriting

2

Use the -i option to ignore interrupt signals

3

Use the -p option to specify a file descriptor to write to

4

Use the -t option to specify a timeout before writing the buffer

5

Use the -h option to display help

Common Use Cases

Text redirection

Redirect output to both the console and files

Logging

Capture output for logging and debugging

Scripting

Use in shell scripts to redirect output programmatically

Data processing

Manipulate and transform text data

Automation

Automate text redirection in scripts

Related Commands

These commands are frequently used alongside tee or serve similar purposes:

cat
echo
script
logger
dd
grep
pipe
Explore All Commands

Use Cases

1

Text redirection

Redirect output to both the console and files

2

Logging

Capture output for logging and debugging

3

Scripting

Use in shell scripts to redirect output programmatically

4

Data processing

Manipulate and transform text data

5

Automation

Automate text redirection in scripts

Learn By Doing

The best way to learn Linux commands is by practicing. Try out these examples in your terminal to build muscle memory and understand how the tee command works in different scenarios.

See ExamplesTry Lab Exercises
$ tee
View All Commands