Master the Linux ‘pr’ Command: A Comprehensive Guide

In this article, we explored the pr command in Linux, a powerful command for formatting text files for printing. We discussed its history, its most common uses, the parameters it supports, and provided examples of how to use it in different scenarios. By mastering the pr command, you can easily prepare your text files for printing, with precise control over the formatting of the output.

Instructions

This guide will provide a detailed exploration of the pr command in Linux. We will cover its history, use cases, the various parameters it supports, and some of the more complex ways it can be used.

History

The pr command has a long history in Unix-like operating systems, with its initial implementation dating back to the early versions of Unix.

When and why to use it

The pr command in Linux is used to format files for printing. It's especially useful when you need to convert text files for printing on a conventional typewriter-like printer.

How to use it

The most basic usage of the pr command is quite simple. Here's an example of using the pr command to format a file for printing:

pr file.txt

The commonly used parameters

• -n: Add line numbers to the output.

pr -n file.txt

• -d: Use double spacing. By default, pr uses single spacing.

pr -d file.txt

Other supported parameters

• -w: Specify the page width.
• -l: Specify the page length.
• -h: Specify a custom header.
• -f: Use form feed instead of newlines.
• -a: Print multiple columns.

Most common use cases

The pr command is often used when you need to format a text file for printing. It can handle tasks such as adding headers, footers, and line numbers, setting the page width and length, and much more.

pr -n -h "My Custom Header" file.txt

The tricky skills

With a combination of different options, the pr command can be used to achieve more complex formatting. For instance, you can format a file into two columns, with double spacing and line numbers added:

pr -2 -d -n file.txt

What needs to be noted

While pr is a powerful tool for formatting files for printing, it may not be suitable for all types of printers or complex typesetting tasks.

Conclusion

The pr command is a versatile tool in Linux for formatting files for printing. With a variety of options available, it allows users to precisely control the format of the printed output, making it a powerful tool for anyone working with printable text files.