Quick Tip

Redirecting `stderr` to `stdout` for Unified Logging

Challenge: When running commands in the shell, error messages (stderr) and normal output (stdout) are often displayed separately. This can make it difficult to capture both in a single log file or to process them together.

The Solution: Use the `2>&1` redirection operator to merge stderr into stdout.

command_that_might_error > output.log 2>&1

Why it works: The `>` redirects stdout to `output.log`. The `2>&1` then redirects file descriptor 2 (stderr) to the same place as file descriptor 1 (stdout), effectively sending both to the log file.

Pro-Tip: To append to the log file instead of overwriting it, use `>> output.log 2>&1`.

Linux Tips & Tricks | © ngelinux.com | 4/27/2026