wc -c (number of characters)

metalwarrior · #1 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008

for some reason word count always counts one extra character.
for example,
echo 11 | wc -c
counts 3 characters instead of 2
anyone know how to get the exact number of characters?

vino · #2 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by metalwarrior

for some reason word count always counts one extra character.
for example,
echo 11 | wc -c
counts 3 characters instead of 2
anyone know how to get the exact number of characters?

There is also the newline character which you dont see.

Code:

[/tmp]$ echo "11" | od -a
0000000   1   1  nl
0000003
[/tmp]$ echo -n "11" | od -a
0000000   1   1
0000002
[/tmp]$ echo -n "11" | wc -c
2

More UNIX and Linux Forum Topics You Might Find Helpful
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Counting the number of occurances of all characters (a-z) in a string	rsendhilmani	Shell Programming and Scripting	5	08-05-2008 01:10 PM
handling maximum number characters in an input file	chrysSty	UNIX and Linux Applications	1	05-12-2008 11:19 AM
How to ignore characters and print only number using unix?	cdfd123	UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers	5	08-03-2007 04:47 AM
number of escape characters?	Sebarry	Shell Programming and Scripting	0	06-22-2006 05:23 PM
What is the Maximum number of characters that i can store in a variable?	pcshan	UNIX for Advanced & Expert Users	9	08-11-2004 06:25 PM

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:


	Powered by