How to create a blank file in Linux

#1

I need to create a blank file in Linux. I know I can use cat and echo command as echo 'data' > file but it will not create a blank file in Linux. Blank means zero size. File exists but zero size. How do I do that?

#2

You can create an empty file from command line using various methods. Here is a quick summary:

1. Use touch command to create a blank file

touch filename

2. Use redirection

> filename

Want to append data and keep existing file? Try:

>> filename
echo 'data 2' >> filename

3. Use echo command to create a empty file

echo -n > filename

4. How to use printf to create a blank file

printf '' > filename

5. Use the ls command to verify it:

ls -l filename

OR

stat filename

The file size should be always zero (0). See