Master input/output redirection and piping to chain commands together. Learn to redirect output to files, combine commands with pipes, and handle errors effectively.

Learning Objectives

Redirect output to files with > and >>

Chain commands together with pipes (|)

Handle stderr with 2> and 2>&1

Combine multiple commands for powerful workflows

Step 1

Set up practice environment

Create workspace with sample files for practicing redirection.

Commands to Run

cd ~

mkdir redirect-practice && cd redirect-practice

echo 'apple' > fruits.txt

echo 'banana' >> fruits.txt

echo 'cherry' >> fruits.txt

cat fruits.txt

What This Does

> creates new file or overwrites existing. >> appends to file. These are output redirection operators. We're creating a sample file to practice with.

Expected Outcome

fruits.txt created with three lines: apple, banana, cherry. cat shows all three entries.

Pro Tips

1
> overwrites (creates new or replaces existing)
2
>> appends (adds to end of file)
3
Use >> when you don't want to lose existing content
4
Both create file if it doesn't exist

Common Mistakes to Avoid

⚠️Using > instead of >> and accidentally overwriting important files
⚠️Not realizing > destroys previous content completely

Was this step helpful?

201 — Pipes & Redirection