Command to remove contents of file

tractng · 08-17-2011, 11:16 AM

What is the command to remove the contents of the file while it is active.

Let's say I have a file called test.log file. I want to remove the contents of the file. OS is Centos/Redhat.

TIA

tractng

nerak99 · 08-17-2011, 11:23 AM

rm myfile.abc

(will remove the file)
then

touch myfile.abc

to put an empty copy there

OR

vi myfile.abc

This will open the file in vi editor were "d" will delete lines and provided the file is not too big, holding down the d key will delete all the lines. Then type

:w

to write the empty file

tractng · 08-17-2011, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nerak99

rm myfile.abc

(will remove the file)
then

touch myfile.abc

to put an empty copy there

OR

vi myfile.abc

This will open the file in vi editor were "d" will delete lines and provided the file is not too big, holding down the d key will delete all the lines. Then type

:w

to write the empty file

Thanks for the response. I am aware of those commands. Is there one command that can just empty the contents of the file without removing the file or going into it?

TobiSGD · 08-17-2011, 11:59 AM

Code:

>test.log

should do the job.

Guttorm · 08-17-2011, 12:01 PM

Hi

You can also redirect "nothing" into it:

>myfile.abc

Keep in mind that programs keeping the file open for writing will need a restart. Otherwise the log still goes into the deleted file.

Edit: Slow typer...

tractng · 08-17-2011, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TobiSGD

Code:

>test.log

should do the job.

That is it. Just couldn't remember. Thanks.

szboardstretcher · 08-17-2011, 03:45 PM

If you are looking to clear a log file,.. you might want to look into "logrotate" which automatically archives old logs... clears the way for new logs, etc...