UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

Hi,

Can i sort binary files using unix sort ?

unix sort will only files with carriage control, so-called ascii 'text' files. if your file is truly binary (data is from variables written directly from memory with no formatting) then you will have to use a programming language.

When you edit the file is it human readable?

Hi Jim,

The file which i am trying to sort is a fixed length binary file. Its been created using a structure using C++ programming language.


Regards,
Ambika

---------- Post updated at 09:37 AM ---------- Previous update was at 09:25 AM ----------

Jim,

Also is there any limit on the size of file when we are sorting using UNIX sort. I have observed that sorting a huge file takes lot of time which may not be expected in actual implementation.

If the file can be read randomly (relative record number) then add a file to your C++ program to create a text file containing the record number and the sort key. Sort this file, and then use it as an index to the binary file.
The length of time a sort takes is generally proportionate to the square root of the number of records.

Code:

sorting a huge file takes lot of time

How big is "huge"?
How long is "lot of time"?
What command did you type?
How much free memory do you have?
What Operating System and version do you have and what Shell do you use?

The performance of a unix "sort" can be improved by giving it more memory. Depends on your system.
As others advise a unix "sort" is only suitable for ASCII Text Files with proper unix record terminators.