Quick Tip

Master `tac` for Reverse Line Order

Challenge: You need to quickly view a file from the last line to the first, often useful for analyzing recent log entries without needing to use `tail` and then reverse the output manually.

The Solution: Use the `tac` command.

tac your_file.log

Why it works: `tac` is simply “cat” spelled backward, and it performs the opposite function of `cat` by printing file content from the last line to the first.

Pro-Tip: Combine `tac` with `head` to efficiently view the most recent N lines of a file: tac your_file.log | head -n 10

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 4/26/2026