Use head When
You want file headers, top rows, or the first few records.
You are checking structure, format, or initial content quickly.
Compare
head vs tail
How to choose between the start and end of a file when inspecting text quickly.
`head` shows the beginning of a file or stream. `tail` shows the end, which often matters more for logs and recent output.
Use tail When
You care about recent log lines or the latest output.
You want to follow appended content with `-f` in a live workflow.
Rule of Thumb
head starts the story. tail shows the latest part.
Want the short version? Browse the compact sheet views and save the commands you use most into a Cheatbook.