Print a match and the following three lines
Build a paste-ready command, then review its compatibility and effects before running it.
sed -n '/ERROR/,+3p' <file> | head -20Complete 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
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 signalsJul 24 10:11:04 ERROR database connection timeoutRepresentative 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 -n '/ERROR/,+3p' {{file}} | head -20The 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-nOptionApplies the command-specific numeric, dry-run, or non-resolving mode.
03'/ERROR/,+3p'ArgumentPasses '/ERROR/,+3p' to sed.
04<file>ParameterA value supplied in the Fill parameters section.
05|PipelinePasses the output on the left to the command on the right.
06headCommandRuns the head stage of this one-liner.
07-20OptionConfigures head with the -20 option.
Example input
sed -n '/ERROR/,+3p' /var/log/syslog | head -20
Example output
Jul 24 10:11:04 ERROR database connection timeout
retry=1 delay=2s
retry=2 delay=4s
request_id=8f42c10
Illustrative output — exact values vary by system and data.
Official sources