cat — Basic UsageIT technician command center
Linux · Linux and Bash

cat — Basic Usage

Use cat for a standard administrative task.

Copy-ready commandcat — Basic Usage
cat /etc/os-release

Requirements and permissions

Requirements
Linux with the referenced utility installed
Permissions
Use sudo or root only when required
Last reviewed
2026-07-31

Examples

Basic Usage

Use cat for a standard administrative task.

cat /etc/os-release

Original command

Display file contents.

cat /etc/os-release

Common errors

Command not found

Confirm Linux with the referenced utility installed is installed and available in your current shell.