How to check if the file is a binary file and read all the files which are not?

shell unix binaryfiles
Refael picture Refael · May 26, 2013 · Viewed 56.4k times · Source

How can I know if a file is a binary file?

For example, compiled c file.

I want to read all files from some directory, but I want ignore binary files.

Answer

Adam Siemion picture Adam Siemion · May 26, 2013

Use utility file, sample usage:

 $ file /bin/bash
 /bin/bash: Mach-O universal binary with 2 architectures
 /bin/bash (for architecture x86_64):   Mach-O 64-bit executable x86_64
 /bin/bash (for architecture i386): Mach-O executable i386

 $ file /etc/passwd
 /etc/passwd: ASCII English text

 $ file code.c
 code.c: ASCII c program text

file manual page

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