Which redirection pipeline sends the output of the wc command (run on infile) into a new file named newfile in Unix/Linux?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: wc infile >newfile

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Shell redirection allows you to route the standard output of a command into a file. When obtaining counts from wc for a specific source, you can supply the filename as an argument or feed it via standard input; both produce valid results but with slightly different output formats. Understanding these nuances prevents surprises in scripts.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • You want word/line/byte counts produced by wc for 'infile'.
  • The result must be written into a new file 'newfile'.
  • Standard POSIX shell redirection behavior applies.


Concept / Approach:
Using an explicit filename argument, wc infile > newfile runs wc on that file and writes the formatted counts (including the filename) into newfile. Supplying input via stdin, wc < infile > newfile also works but omits the filename in the report. The question asks for a command that sends the counts of the file to newfile; the explicit argument form is the most straightforward and commonly taught choice.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Create output: wc infile > newfileInspect: cat newfile to see counts with filename label.For a bare number, use options (for example, wc -l < infile > newfile).Integrate into scripts with test conditions as needed.


Verification / Alternative check:
Run wc infile and compare its terminal output to the contents of newfile; they should match exactly. Then try wc < infile > newfile to observe omission of the filename, illustrating the format difference.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • wc newfile: Functional but changes the output format by removing the filename; not the standard explicit form the question expects.
  • wc infile - newfile: Invalid syntax; '-' is not an output redirection.
  • wc infile | newfile: Pipes require a command on both sides; newfile is not a command.
  • None of the above: Incorrect because the first command is valid and conventional.


Common Pitfalls:
Overwriting newfile unintentionally (use >> to append), or confusing stdin redirection with argument-driven mode when you require the filename label in output.


Final Answer:
wc infile >newfile

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