What is the function of the following UNIX command?
wc -l a > b &

1. A(A) It runs the word-count program to count the number of lines in its input, file a, writing the result to file b, as a foreground process.
2. B(B) It runs the word-count program to count the number of lines in its input, file a, writing the result to file b, but does it as a background process.
3. C(C) It counts the errors during the execution of a process, a, and puts the result in process b.
4. D(D) It copies a number of lines of a program from file a and stores them in file b.

Pick an option to check yourself, or open the answer below.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. (B) It runs the word-count program to count the number of lines in its input, file a, writing the result to file b, but does it as a background process.