Windows join files equivalent in Linux
Joins lines from two sorted files on a common field.
join files
join file1 file2
join file1 file2
join file1 file2
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "join files" is used to join sorted files. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "join file1 file2". Joins lines from two sorted files on a common field. This reference is grouped under Text Processing → Fields.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Same name, different environment
The basic command name join is familiar on both platforms, but Linux path rules, quoting, permissions and available options can still change the result.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux command-line basics.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Join sorted files
Joins lines from two sorted files on a common field.
join file1 file2
Join sorted files
join --help
Show command help when supported
man join
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
join file1 file2
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: join files
join file1 file2Reference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
join file1 file2 | Join sorted files |
join --help | Show command help when supported |
man join | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "join file1 file2" for this mapping. The command syntax shown here is portable across the three rows, although installed versions and system defaults can still vary.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | join file1 file2 |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | join file1 file2 |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | join file1 file2 |
Same command on this distribution. |
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