Windows PowerShell Get-Content -Head equivalent in Linux
Prints the beginning of a file.
PowerShell Get-Content -Head
head -n 20 file
head -n 20 file
head -n 20 file
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "PowerShell Get-Content -Head" is used to show first lines. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "head -n 20 file". Prints the beginning of a file. This reference is grouped under Text Processing → PowerShell Text.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows PowerShell Get-Content -Head maps to head -n 20 file for this task. Treat this as a workflow mapping rather than a character-for-character syntax translation.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux command-line basics.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Show first lines
Prints the beginning of a file.
head -n 20 file
Show first lines
head --help
Show command help when supported
man head
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
head -n 20 file
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: PowerShell Get-Content -Head
head -n 20 fileReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
head -n 20 file | Show first lines |
head --help | Show command help when supported |
man head | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "head -n 20 file" for this mapping. The command syntax shown here is portable across the three rows, although installed versions and system defaults can still vary.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | head -n 20 file |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | head -n 20 file |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | head -n 20 file |
Same command on this distribution. |
Keep learning