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echo

Write arguments to standard output (POSIX)

Syntax:

echo [-n] [string...]

Options:

-n

Don't write a trailing newline character.

string

A string to be written to standard output.

Description:

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.

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The escape sequences listed above are extensions to POSIX. For a more versatile utility that's portable, see printf.

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Examples:

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
$

Exit status:

0

Successful completion.

>0

An error occurred.

See also:

cat, ksh, printf, sh

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