Windows PowerShell Get-Random lines equivalent in Linux
Randomizes the order of lines.
PowerShell Get-Random lines
shuf file
shuf file
shuf file
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "PowerShell Get-Random lines" is used to shuffle lines. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "shuf file". Randomizes the order of lines. This reference is grouped under Text Processing → Files.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows PowerShell Get-Random lines maps to shuf file for this task. Treat this as a workflow mapping rather than a character-for-character syntax translation.
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
Shuffle lines
Randomizes the order of lines.
shuf file
Shuffle lines
shuf --help
Show command help when supported
man shuf
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
shuf file
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: PowerShell Get-Random lines
shuf fileReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
shuf file | Shuffle lines |
shuf --help | Show command help when supported |
man shuf | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "shuf file" 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 | shuf file |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | shuf file |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | shuf file |
Same command on this distribution. |
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