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Using this Manual
*****************

   The term `awk' refers to a particular program, and to the language
you use to tell this program what to do.  When we need to be careful,
we call the program "the `awk' utility" and the language "the `awk'
language."  The term `gawk' refers to a version of `awk' developed as
part the GNU project.  The purpose of this manual is to explain both the
`awk' language and how to run the `awk' utility.

   While concentrating on the features of `gawk', the manual will also
attempt to describe important differences between `gawk' and other
`awk' implementations.  In particular, any features that are not in the
POSIX standard for `awk' will be noted.

   The term "`awk' program" refers to a program written by you in the
`awk' programming language.

   Getting Started, for the bare
essentials you need to know to start using `awk'.

   Some useful "one-liners" are included to give you a feel for the
`awk' language (One-liners).

   A sample `awk' program has been provided for you 
(Sample Program).

   If you find terms that you aren't familiar with, try looking them up
in the glossary (Glossary).

   The entire `awk' language is summarized for quick reference in 
Gawk Summary.  Look there if you just need to refresh
your memory about a particular feature.

   Most of the time complete `awk' programs are used as examples, but in
some of the more advanced sections, only the part of the `awk' program
that illustrates the concept being described is shown.

* Menu:

* Sample Data Files            Sample data files for use in the `awk'
                                programs illustrated in this manual.