Write arguments to standard output (POSIX)
echo [-n] [string...]
QNX Neutrino, Linux, Microsoft Windows
The echo command is present both as a shell builtin (see the echo command for ksh) and as a standalone executable that can operate without the availability of the system shell. Both versions behave in a similar manner. To make sure you use the executable, specify the full path.
The echo utility writes its arguments, followed by a newline character, to standard output. If there are no arguments, only the newline character is written.
The echo utility supports the following escape sequences within string:
Escape | Description |
---|---|
\a | Write an alert character (the bell). |
\b | Write a backspace character. |
\c | Suppress the newline character that otherwise follows the final argument in the output. All characters following the \c in the arguments are ignored. |
\f | Write a formfeed character. |
\n | Write a newline character. |
\r | Write a carriage-return character. |
\t | Write a tab character. |
\v | Write a vertical tab character. |
\\ | Write a backslash character. |
\0num | Write an 8-bit value that's the ASCII character represented by the specified 1-, 2-, or 3-digit octal number num. |
The escape sequences listed above are extensions to POSIX. For a more versatile utility that's portable, see printf. |
Echo the string Hello, Mother\nHello, Father to the standard output (note that echo appends a final trailing newline):
$ echo 'Hello, Mother\nHello, Father' Hello, Mother Hello, Father $