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

head — Basic Usage

Use head for a standard administrative task.

Copy-ready commandhead — Basic Usage
head -n 20 /var/log/syslog

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 head for a standard administrative task.

head -n 20 /var/log/syslog

Original command

Display the first lines of a file.

head -n 20 /var/log/syslog

Common errors

Command not found

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