Identify file contents and encoding.
Section: Files and Directories
Detect file type
bash
bash
file archive.tar.gzExplanation
Useful when an extension is misleading or absent.
Learn the surrounding workflow
Compare similar commands or jump into common fixes when this command is part of a bigger troubleshooting path.
Related commands
Same sheet · prioritizing Files and Directories
Create file or update timestamp
Create an empty file if it does not exist.
Create nested directories
Create one or more directories, including parents.