NAME

file − determine file type

SYNOPSIS

file [ list ] filename...

DESCRIPTION

The file command performs a series of tests on each file argument in an attempt to classify it.  If an argument appears to be ASCII, file examines the first 512 bytes and tries to guess its language. 

If the argument is a fat file, the series of tests is performed on each architecture in the fat file. 

If the −f option is specified, file instead performs its tests on each file listed in the file named list. This file should contain one filename per line, with no whitespace.

BUGS

The file command often makes mistakes.  In particular, it often suggests that command files are C programs.  It does not recognize Pascal or LISP. 

NeXT Computer, Inc.  —  July 19, 1993