Name

lp − send requests to an LP line printer

Syntax

lp [−c] [−d dest] [−n number] [−] [files]

Description

The lp command arranges for the named files and associated information (collectively called a request) to be printed by a line printer.  If no file names are mentioned, the standard input is assumed.  When a file name is designated by a minus sign (−) it stands for the standard input and may be supplied on the command line in conjunction with named files.  The order in which files appear is the same order in which they are printed. 

This command exists for X/OPEN compatibility. 

Options

The following options to lp may appear in any order and may be intermixed with file names:

−cMakes copies of the files to be printed immediately when lp is invoked. Normally, files are not copied, but are linked whenever possible.  If the −c option is not given, then the user should be careful not to remove any of the files before the request has been printed in its entirety.  It should also be noted that without the −c option, any changes made to the named files after the request is made but before it is printed are reflected in the printed output. 

−d destChooses dest as the printer that is to do the printing.  If dest is a printer, then the request is printed on that specific printer.  By default, dest is taken from the environment variable PRINTER if it is set.  Otherwise, a default destination, lp, is used. 

−n numberPrints number copies (default of 1) of the output. 

Files

/etc/passwdpersonal identification
/etc/printcapprinter capabilities data base
/usr/lib/lpd*line printer daemons
/usr/spool/*directories used for spooling
/usr/spool/*/cf*daemon control files
/usr/spool/*/df* data files specified in cf files
/usr/spool/*/tf*temporary copies of cf files

See Also

lpq(1), lpr(1), lprm(1), pr(1), symlink(2), printcap(2), lpc(8), lpd(8)