How to convert a text file into tab delimited format?


 
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# 1  
Old 07-06-2011
How to convert a text file into tab delimited format?

I have a text file that made using text editor in Ubuntu. However the text file is not being recognized as space or tab delimited, the formatting seems to be messed up. How can I convert the text file into tab delimited format?
# 2  
Old 07-06-2011
Code:
awk '{ for(i=1;i<=NF;i++){if(i==NF){printf("%s\n",$NF);}else {printf("%s\t",$i)}}}' inputfile

This User Gave Thanks to itkamaraj For This Post:
# 3  
Old 07-06-2011
I think it probably is 'space delimited' or you would not see spaces in the edit screen.
(gedit, nano, or whatever).
What is the origin of the file - did it come from Windows or even worse, MS word?

Please show the output of :
Code:
od -c <your textfile name here> | head

so we can see what you really have.
# 4  
Old 07-06-2011
The solution fixed it. Thanks!
 
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