dssplit

dssplit is a command-line utility designed for splitting large datasets into smaller, more manageable files. Its primary function is to divide a dataset based on a specified criterion, typically a delimiter or a fixed number of lines per output file. This is particularly useful in data processing pipelines where entire datasets might exceed the memory capacity or processing limits of individual tools.

The tool supports various input formats, though it commonly operates on plain text files. Users can define the splitting logic by specifying the delimiter that separates data records or fields. Alternatively, a fixed number of records can be set for each output file. The output files are usually named sequentially, allowing for easy reassembly or further processing.

dssplit can be found in various data processing environments and is often integrated into larger scripting solutions for tasks such as data warehousing, batch processing, and machine learning data preparation. Its simplicity and efficiency make it a valuable tool for handling large-scale data operations. The specific command-line arguments and options may vary slightly depending on the implementation and the operating system, but the core functionality of splitting data remains consistent.