Display probe's standard output on the terminal.
Discard standard error without displaying or saving it.
Which command is appropriate?
/dev/null discards data written to it. Redirecting only FD 2 there leaves standard output unchanged.
Detailed explanation
probe > /dev/nullIncorrect. It discards standard output and leaves standard error visible.
Incorrect. It discards standard output and leaves standard error visible.
probe 2> /dev/nullCorrect. Only standard error is sent to /dev/null.
Correct. Only standard error is sent to /dev/null.
probe < /dev/nullIncorrect. It redirects standard input from /dev/null.
Incorrect. It redirects standard input from /dev/null.
probe 2>&1Incorrect. It merges standard error into standard output rather than discarding it.
Incorrect. It merges standard error into standard output rather than discarding it.
Try it yourself
An example you can run in a temporary verification environment.
bash -c 'printf OUT; printf ERR >&2' 2>/dev/nullExpected result
OUTKey points
- Writes to /dev/null are discarded
- 2> targets standard error
- Standard output remains visible
Notes
- Environment: Bash 5.2
- Command output formatting can vary slightly by distribution or tool version.
- Run the example in a temporary directory or process when possible.
Foundation review
Read the scope first
Check whether the command acts on the current shell, a new process, an existing process, or a file.
Verify the observable result
Use the supplied command and compare the output with the expected result.