cal command in Linux with Examples

The 'cal' command in Linux is a versatile tool that displays calendars directly in the terminal. If a user wants a quick view of the calendar in the Linux terminal, 'cal' is the command for you. Here’s a look at the usage and features of 'cal' command in Linux.

What is the 'cal' command?

cal command is a calendar command in Linux which is used to see the calendar of a specific month or a whole year. By default, entering cal in the terminal shows the calendar of the current month, with today's date highlighted. This provides a quick overview of the month at hand.

Syntax: 

cal [ [ month ] year]

The rectangular bracket means it is optional, so if used without an option, it will display a calendar of the current month and year.  

Displaying Different Time Frames

'cal': Shows current month calendar on the terminal with the current date highlighted. 
 

'cal -y': Shows the calendar of the complete current year with the current date highlighted.

'cal [month] [year]': Shows calendar of selected month and year. For example, 'cal 08 2000' displays the calendar for August 2000.
 

'cal [year]': Shows the whole calendar of the year. For example, 'cal 2018' displays the calendar for the year 2018.
 

'cal [year]| more': When year is not be visible in the same screen use 'more' with 'cal' use spacebar to scroll down. 

'cal -3': Shows calendar of previous, current and next month 
 

'cal -j': Shows the calendar of the current month in the Julian calendar format not in the default Gregorian calendar format. In Julian calendar format, the date does not reset to 1 after every month's end i.e. after 31st Jan,  Feb will start as 32nd Feb, not as 1st Feb. But in the Gregorian calendar format, the date is reset to 1 after every month's end i.e after 31st Jan, Feb will start as of 1st Feb.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the 'cal' command in Linux provides users with a powerful tool for calendar management directly from the command line. The 'cal' command is invaluable for system administrators, developers, and anyone who needs quick access to a calendar without leaving the terminal environment. It integrates seamlessly into scripts and commands for automated tasks and scheduling.