echo

Write arguments to standard output (POSIX)

Syntax:

echo [-n] [string...]

Runs on:

QNX Neutrino, Mac, Microsoft Windows

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`.

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

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.