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How to search in a log file?

 
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# 1  
Old 01-07-2012
How to search in a log file?
Hey guys,

I'm still relatively new to Linux and everyday is a learning experience for me. Anyway, I have a question about searching inside a log file and didn't know what topic this would come under so posting it here as I am a Dummie lol!

Say I have a log file which consists of say, for example, 500,000 rows and I need to search that file for a specific error message - whats the best way of doing so ? Currently, if I need to look through the whole file I am using the 'more' command and then searching using the forward slash and entering what I want to look for - is there a more efficient way ?

Do any of you guys have any 'cheat sheets' of commands in more/vim for using !? One of the guys at work suggested using the 'Shift' key with certain keys but for the life of me I can't remember what ones.

My knowledge at the minute of Sed/Awk to attempt this is extremely limited so unfortunately can't use those utilities as yet to help.

- Jim
# 2  
Old 01-07-2012
man grep

simple example

Code:
grep foo bar.txt | less

This User Gave Thanks to frank_rizzo For This Post:
jimbob01
# 3  
Old 01-07-2012
Ah, excellent! So simple when you think about it.

Thanks Frank :-)
 
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