Using the `pretty-bytes` Command (with examples)

Using the `pretty-bytes` Command (with examples)

The pretty-bytes command is a useful tool for converting numeric bytes values into human-readable strings. It can be used in both command-line and scripting environments, allowing for easy integration into various workflows. In this article, we will explore several different use cases of the pretty-bytes command, providing example code and explanations for each.

1: Convert numeric bytes value to a human-readable string

To convert a numeric bytes value into a human-readable string, simply pass the value as an argument to the pretty-bytes command. For example:

pretty-bytes 1337

In this example, the pretty-bytes command is used to convert the value 1337 bytes into a human-readable string. The output will be a formatted string representing the size in the most appropriate unit (e.g., “1.34 kB”).

2: Convert numeric bytes value from stdin to a human-readable string

In some cases, you may want to convert a numeric bytes value that is provided through stdin into a human-readable string. This can be achieved by piping the value into the pretty-bytes command. For example:

echo 1337 | pretty-bytes

In this example, the echo command is used to output the value 1337 bytes, which is then piped into the pretty-bytes command. The output will be a formatted string representing the size in the most appropriate unit, just like in the previous example.

3: Display help and usage information

If you need more information about the pretty-bytes command, you can use the --help option to display the help and usage information. For example:

pretty-bytes --help

This command will display a detailed description of the pretty-bytes command, including the available options and usage examples.


By exploring these different use cases of the pretty-bytes command, you can see how it can be used to convert numeric bytes values into human-readable strings. Whether you need to convert a specific value or process data from stdin, the pretty-bytes command provides a convenient and efficient solution.

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