# Different methods to create a text file in Linux terminal

In this article I will show you 7 different methods to create a new file in Linux using terminal.

## 1. Using touch command

The `touch` command is used for changing the timestamp of a file. But it can also be used to create a new empty file using the following command:

```
touch yourfilename
```

![touch.png](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1669461095494/CJ8UUBFv5.png align="left")

If `yourfilename` already exist in your current directory, `touch` will update its timestamp, but if the file doesn’t exist, it will create a new empty file.

## 2. Using cat command

`cat` is usually used to display the contents of one or more files in the terminal.

But `cat` can also be used to create a new file using the following command:

```
cat > filename
```

![cat-file.png](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1669461131001/fzvrWDdnF.png align="left")

After typing the command and pressing enter, you can type the contents of the file if you want to, after typing you can use **Ctrl + D** to save it.

If `filename` doesn’t exist in the current working directory, it will create that file. If the `filename` exists, it will override that file with the new content which you have typed

Alternatively, you can use `>>` instead of `>` to append the text to the end of the already existing file.

You can use the command `cat filename` to display the contents of the file in the terminal.

## 3. Using the redirect operator

> Redirection operator (>) is used to change the destination of the results displayed on the terminal to another place
> 

You can use the redirect operator followed by the filename to create a file

```
> filename.txt
```

After typing the command, you can type the contents of the file (optional) and press **Ctrl + D** to save.

![redirect-operator.png](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1669461599512/jYm-JHY34.png align="left")

## 4. Using echo command

The `echo` command will output back to you whatever you give as input to it.

echo command along with the redirection operator can be used to create a file with the content you specify.

```
echo 'Text inside file' > file.txt
```

![echo.png](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1669461607568/z8J5mCjwZ.png align="left")

You can use **\n** inside echo command to create a new line inside the file. Example:
```
echo 'First line\nSecondline' > file.txt
```

## 5. Using printf command

The **printf** command works like the echo command.

You can use the following command to create a new file using `prinf`

```
printf 'Hello world!' > file.txt
```

![printf.png](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1669461616046/RvANQr7xP.png align="left")

## 6. Using nano text editor

![nano.gif](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1669461230968/z0A-_dICE.gif align="left")

If your Linux system has `nano` installed, you can use it to create or edit files.

You can use the following command to create a new file using nano: `nano file_name`

If `file_name` doesn’t exist in the current directory, it will create that file and opens the editor in terminal. If the `file_name` already exists, it will open that file in the editor to edit

After typing your text inside the file, you can use **Ctrl + X** and then type **Y** (to save), and press **enter** to exit the editor and go back to terminal.

## 7. Using vim text editor

![vim.gif](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1669461243990/FuaAIaApG.gif align="left")

You can also use the vim text editor to create a file and also for writing to the file

Typing the command `vim filename` will create a new file if the file doesn’t exist and then opens the editor

You can press **i** to go into insert mode and write to the file. After editing the file, you can press **esc** key and type `:wq` to save and quit.

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