What is the difference between redirecting stdout with > file and redirecting stderr with 2> file?

• A. Both redirect stdout
• B. "> file" redirects stdout; "2>" redirects stderr
• C. Both redirect stderr
• D. They are invalid

Answer: (B)

In Unix-like shells, programs produce two output streams: standard output (stdout) and standard error (stderr). Stdout carries the regular results of a command, while stderr carries error messages. They are separate so you can handle normal results and errors differently.

Using the redirection operator without a descriptor redirects stdout, sending the command’s normal output to the specified file. Using 2> redirects stderr, sending any error messages to that file. If you run something that prints both outputs, redirecting stdout sends the normal results to the file and errors still appear on the screen; redirecting stderr sends only the error messages to the file.

For example, redirecting stdout saves the normal listing to a file, while errors from a failing command would still display unless you redirect them as well. If you want both streams in one file, you can combine them, e.g., command > all.txt 2>&1.