Overview
Receives files or standard input, sorts them line by line, and sends the result to standard output.
Basic Usage
sort input.txt > output.txtDefault lexicographical ascending sort
Key Points
- Uses standard input if no input is specified (often used with pipes)
- Key sorting combines -t (delimiter) and -k (field/character range)
- Provides dedicated modes for numbers, human-readable units, versions, etc.
Key Options
Options related to sorting criteria, output control, and performance.
Sorting Criteria
Output/Behavior Control
Performance/Resources
Help/Version
Generated command:
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Description:
`sort` Executes the command.
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Common Patterns
Numeric Sort + Reverse
sort -n -r scores.txtDescending order based on numeric values
Sort by 3rd Column (Numeric) in CSV
sort -t, -k3,3n data.csvSpecify delimiter with -t, key range with -k
Sort Sizes by Human-Readable Units
du -h /var/log | sort -hSorts formats like `ls -lh` output
Stable Sort by First Column After Removing Duplicates
sort -s -k1,1 -u users.txtCombines stable (-s) and -u
| Notation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| -k2,2 | Uses the entire 2nd field as the key |
| -k2.3,2.5 | Uses only characters 3-5 within the 2nd field |
| -k1,1 -k2,2 | Primary sort by 1st field, then secondary sort by 2nd field if primary keys are equal |