NAME

file − determine file type

SYNOPSIS

file file ... 

DESCRIPTION

File performs a series of tests on each argument in an attempt to classify the file(s) by type.  If an argument appears to be ascii, file examines the first 512 bytes and tries to guess its language. 

EXAMPLE

file textfile programfile directory

reports the file names and directory name, and whether the files are English text, nroff input, a C program, or whatever. 

DIAGNOSTICS

If file cannot decipher a filetype, it reports "cannot stat". 

BUGS

It often makes mistakes.  In particular it often suggests that command files are C programs. 

7th Edition  —  1/7/82