shuf on Linux randomizes line order — ideal for drawing a random sample from IDs, shuffling quiz questions, or anonymizing order in exports. It is simpler than sort -R hacks and built for pipelines.
Shuffle a file
Each line stays intact; only order changes.
bashshuffle
shuf names.txt
Pick N random lines
-n outputs at most N lines without replacement.
bashsample
shuf -n 5 customers.csvShuf from arguments
-e shuffles a short list from the command line.
bashinline
shuf -e Mon Tue Wed Thu FriReproducible tests
For deterministic QA, use a seeded language tool; shuf is for live randomness.
TipCombine
grep pattern file | shuf -n 20 for a random subset matching a filter.Quick Reference
- Full shuffle:
shuf file - Sample:
shuf -n 5 file - List:
shuf -e a b c
Related tutorials
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