Print non-empty, non-comment configuration lines
Build a paste-ready command, then review its compatibility and effects before running it.
sed -e '/^[[:space:]]*#/d' -e '/^[[:space:]]*$/d' /etc/ssh/sshd_configread-onlyno known side effects Compatibility
LinuxVerified for Linux using posix, bash, zsh syntax.
Operational knowledgereview due 2027-01-20
Requirementssedsed must be installed and available on PATH.
Version supportsed Current supported releasesVerified for linux using posix, bash, zsh syntax; consult compatibility notes for platform-specific differences.
Expected signalsInclude /etc/ssh/sshd_config.d/*.confRepresentative successful output; values vary with the selected target and system state.
Known errorssed: command not foundsed is missing or is not available on PATH.
Verifysed -e '/^[[:space:]]*#/d' -e '/^[[:space:]]*$/d' /etc/ssh/sshd_configThe 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
01sedCommandRuns the sed stage of this one-liner.
02-eOptionConfigures sed with the -e option.
03'/^[[:space:]]*#/d'ArgumentPasses '/^[[:space:]]*#/d' to sed.
04-eOptionConfigures sed with the -e option.
05'/^[[:space:]]*$/d'ArgumentPasses '/^[[:space:]]*$/d' to sed.
06/etc/ssh/sshd_configArgumentPasses /etc/ssh/sshd_config to sed.
Example input
sed -e '/^[[:space:]]*#/d' -e '/^[[:space:]]*$/d' /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Example output
Include /etc/ssh/sshd_config.d/*.conf
KbdInteractiveAuthentication no
UsePAM yes
X11Forwarding yes
Illustrative output — exact values vary by system and data.
Official sources