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Build a paste-ready command, then review its compatibility and effects before running it.
tar -tvf <archive> | 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
Requirementstartar must be installed and available on PATH.
Version supporttar Current supported releasesVerified for linux using posix, bash, zsh syntax; consult compatibility notes for platform-specific differences.
Expected signals-rw-r--r-- alex/alex 842 2026-07-24 10:02 config.yamlRepresentative successful output; values vary with the selected target and system state.
Known errorstar: command not foundtar is missing or is not available on PATH.
Verifytar -tvf {{archive}} | 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
01tarCommandRuns the tar stage of this one-liner.
02-tvfOptionConfigures tar with the -tvf option.
03<archive>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.
06-20OptionConfigures head with the -20 option.
Example input
tar -tvf backup.tar.gz | head -20
Example output
-rw-r--r-- alex/alex 842 2026-07-24 10:02 config.yaml
-rw-r----- alex/adm 18432 2026-07-24 10:03 logs/app.log
Illustrative output — exact values vary by system and data.
Official sources