How to Show Non Printable Characters in Linux
Using the cat Command
When working with text files in Linux, it's not uncommon to encounter non printable characters that can be difficult to identify. These characters, such as tabs, line breaks, and special characters, can be hidden from view, making it challenging to edit or debug files. Fortunately, Linux provides several ways to show non printable characters, making it easier to work with text files and scripts.
One of the simplest ways to display non printable characters is by using the cat command with the -v option. This command will display all characters, including non printable ones, in a human-readable format. For example, the command cat -v file.txt will display the contents of the file file.txt, including any non printable characters.
Alternative Methods
In addition to the cat command, there are other methods for displaying non printable characters in Linux. The od command, for example, can be used to display the octal representation of a file, which can help identify non printable characters. Another option is to use a text editor, such as vim or emacs, which often have built-in features for displaying non printable characters.