Print selected whitespace-delimited columns
Build a paste-ready command, then review its compatibility and effects before running it.
awk '{print $1, $3}' <file> | headComplete required fields to copy the generated command.
read-onlyno known side effects Compatibility
LinuxVerified for Linux using posix, bash, zsh syntax.
Operational knowledgereview due 2027-01-20
Requirementsawkawk must be installed and available on PATH.
Version supportawk Current supported releasesVerified for linux using posix, bash, zsh syntax; consult compatibility notes for platform-specific differences.
Expected signalsJul hostRepresentative successful output; values vary with the selected target and system state.
Known errorsawk: command not foundawk is missing or is not available on PATH.
Verifyawk '{print $1, $3}' {{file}} | headThe output matches the expected target and exits without an error.Rollback noteNot required: this command is read-only and does not change system state.
Command breakdown
01awkCommandRuns the awk stage of this one-liner.
02'{print $1, $3}'ArgumentPasses '{print $1, $3}' to awk.
03<file>ParameterA value supplied in the Fill parameters section.
04|PipelinePasses the output on the left to the command on the right.
05headCommandRuns the head stage of this one-liner.
Example input
awk '{print $1, $3}' /var/log/syslog | head
Example output
Jul host
Jul host
Jul host
Illustrative output — exact values vary by system and data.
Official sources