seq

Linux · Text · reference only

What it does

Generates a sequence of numbers, with configurable start, step and end. It is very useful in loops and scripts.

Syntax

seq [opciones] final
seq [opciones] inicio final
seq [opciones] inicio paso final

Options and parameters

• -s separador

  Uses that string to separate the numbers instead of a newline.

• -w

  Pads with leading zeros so all numbers have the same width.

• -f formato

  Formats each number printf-style, such as %03g.

• --help

  Shows help and exits.

• --version

  Shows the version and exits.

Usage examples

• seq 5

  Prints 1 to 5, one per line.

• seq 1 2 9

  Prints 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9: counting by 2.

• seq -s, 1 5

  Prints 1,2,3,4,5 on a single comma-separated line.

• seq -w 8 10

  Prints 08, 09 and 10, with zeros to equalize the width.

Notes and common mistakes

• With a negative step it counts down: seq 10 -3 1 prints 10, 7, 4 and 1.

Related commands

• awk
• cat
• cut
• diff
• grep
• head