Introduction to Linux Split Command
In the Linux operating system, the split command is used to divide or split the large files into small file size. As per the requirement, we can provide or define the number of lines available in the split file. But by default, there are 1000 lines available in the split file. When we are creating any split file, the prefix will be PREFIXaa, PREFIXab, PREFIXac, and further on. The initial prefix will start with the letter “x”. Generally, the split command is used for the huge log or archival data.
The split utility was written by Torbjorn Granlund and Richard M. Stallman.
Syntax:
split [ OPTION ]... [ INPUT [ PREFIX ] ]- split : We can use the “split” keyword in the syntax or command. It will take different arguments like options, input file (like a log or archive file). As per the provided arguments, it will split the large file into small files.
- OPTIONS : We can provide the different flags as the option that is compatible with the “split” command.
- INPUT : As per the condition or requirement, we can provide the file or file path to the split command.
- PREFIX : If we do not need the default prefix formant and we need the own prefix format then we can use the same option.
How Linux Split command works?
Linux is a multi-user support operating system. It will support multiple server or application. While running these servers or application, they are generating the huge size logs. It is very difficult to access the log as well as to read the same log files. In the Linux environment, we are having multiple tools and utilities for resizing the large files into small files. The split command is one of them. The spilt command is used to divide the large files into small files. The default split size will be 1000 lines. As per the requirement, we can change the default size as well.
Below are the lists of option that are compatible with the split command.
| Sr No | Option | Description |
| 1 | -a, –suffix-length=N | It will help to generate the suffix of “N” length. The default size is “2”. |
| 2 | –additional-suffix=SUFFIX | It will help to append the additional SUFFIX to the file names. |
| 3 | -b, –bytes=SIZE | It will help to keep the SIZE bytes per output file |
| 4 | -C, –line-bytes=SIZE | It will help to put at most SIZE bytes of lines per output file |
| 5 | -d, –numeric-suffixes[=FROM] | It will help to use the numeric suffix instead of the alphabetic suffix. The changes from the start value are “0” (default value). |
| 6 | -e, –elide-empty-files | it will help to do not generate the empty output files with ‘-n’ |
| 7 | –filter=COMMAND | It will help to write the shell COMMAND. But the file name will be “$FILE” |
| 8 | -l, –lines=NUMBER | It will help to put the NUMBER lines per output file |
| 9 | -n, –number=CHUNKS | It will help to generate the CHUNKS output files |
| 10 | -u, –unbuffered | It will help to immediately copy input to output with the ‘-n r/…’. |
| 11 | –verbose | It will display the command operation and diagnostic just before each output file is opened |
| 12 | –help | It will print the split command help and exit automatically. |
| 13 | –version | It will print the split command version information and exit automatically. |
Examples to Implement Linux Split Command
In the Linux environment, we are able to split the large file into small files.
Example #1 – Linux Split Command
Command :
split spreadsheet.csv
llExplanation :
As per the above command, we are splitting the “spreadsheet.csv” file. Once we have split the file. It will split the files into 5 different files. The individual split files contain the 1000 rows.
Output :
Example #2 – With Custom Line Numbers
In the split command, we are having the functionality to split the large file into the number of custom output lines.
Command:
split -2100 spreadsheet.csv --verboseExplanation:
As per the above command, we are splitting the files into 2100 rows each. Here, we are providing custom inputs. We have used the “–verbose” option to display the current running outputs.
Output:
Example #3 – Create Numeric Suffix Split Files
While working with the Linux Split Command, we are able to change the split suffix from the alphabet to numeric.
Command:
split -d spreadsheet.csvExplanation:
While splitting the large files, the split files will be in alphabetical order. But we have used the “-d” with the split command and change the suffix with a numeric value.
Output:
Example #4 – Custom Suffix Name
In Linux, we are having the functionality to give the own or custom suffix name to the split command.
Command:
split spreadsheet.csv own_split_file_
llExplanation:
As per the above command, we are splitting the large file “spreadsheet.csv” into small files. We have split the output files into our own custom files. For custom files, we have stared with “own_split_file_”.
Output:
Example #5 – Avoid Zero Size Split Output Files
In the split command, while splitting the large file it might be at the end the small or zero sizes will create. To avoid this event, we can use the “-e” option with the split command.
Command:
split -e spreadsheet.csvExplanation:
While splitting the large files into small files, it may happen that at the end zero size file will create. To avoid this condition, we can use the “-e” option with the split command. It will avoid the zero size file creation.
Output:
Conclusion
We have seen the uncut concept of “Linux Split Command” with the proper example, explanation and command with different outputs. As per the requirement, we can split the large file into small file size (or the number of rows). With the help of a split command option, we can read or access the huge size file.
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