Introduction

The dd command-line utility is used to convert and copy files on Unix and Unix-like operating systems. By default, the dd command doesn’t show any output while transferring files.

This could be problematic when copying large files since you cannot monitor the process.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to use the dd command to show progress.

How to Use dd show progress command in linux

Prerequisites

  • A system running Linux
  • A user account with sudo or root privileges
  • Access to a terminal window / command line
  • GNU Coreutils version 8.24 or above

Check dd Version

To see the progress bar while copying files and directories with the dd command, you need a version of dd (coreutils) no older than 8.24. Check the version with the command:

dd --version

Check Coreutils version.

At the time of writing, the latest version of dd (coreutils) is 8.30 as seen in the image above.

Note: If you need to install coreutils, run: sudo apt-get install -y coreutils.

Option 1: Use the dd Command to Show Progress

The basic syntax for using the dd command is:

dd if=/path/to/input of=/path/to/output

However, the default settings do not show a progress bar or any output while the process is taking place.

To see the progress bar, add the status=progress attribute to the basic command:

dd if=/path/to/input of=/path/to/output status=progress

While the system is copying the specified file, it shows the amount of data that has been copied and the time elapsed.

dd command showing progress while copying a file.

Once the process is complete, the terminal displays the total amount of data transferred and the time duration of the process.

Output from dd command showing the process has completed.

Option 2: Use dd Command with pv to Show Progress

The pv command allows a user to see the progress of data through a pipeline. You can use it with the dd command to show the progress of a specified task.

To do so, you need to install pv.

On Ubuntu/Debian systems run:

sudo apt install pv

On CentOS/Redhat systems run:

sudo yum install pv

Install pv on Ubuntu.

To use pv with the dd command follow the syntax:

dd if=/path/to/input | pv | dd of=/path/to/output

Conclusion

After reading this article, you should know how to show progress while running the dd command, with or without the pv command.

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