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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.