zcat Command
Purpose
Expands a compressed file to standard output.
Syntax
Description
The zcat command allows the user to expand and view a compressed file without uncompressing that file. The zcat command does not rename the expanded file or remove the .Z extension. The zcat command writes the expanded output to standard output.
Flags
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| -n | Omits the compressed file header from the compressed file. Note: Use
the -n option if the file was compressed using the -n option.
|
| -V | Writes the current version and compile options to standard error. |
Parameters
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| File ... | Specifies the compressed files to expand. |
Return Values
If the zcat command exits with a status of 1 if any of the following events occur:
- The input file was not produced by the compress command.
- An input file cannot be read or an output file cannot be written.
If no error occurs, the exit status is 0.
Exit Status
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 | Successful completion. |
| >0 | An error occurred. |
Examples
To view the foo.Z file without uncompressing it, enter:
zcat foo.ZThe uncompressed contents of the foo.Z file are written to standard output. The file is not renamed.