editcol

editcol is a command-line utility designed for editing columns within text files. It allows users to select, rearrange, insert, and delete columns based on various criteria. This tool is particularly useful for manipulating structured data that is organized into columns, such as CSV files, tab-delimited files, or other space-separated formats.

The primary functionality of editcol revolves around specifying which columns to operate on and how to modify them. Users can define column ranges or individual columns using numerical indices. Common operations include selecting a subset of columns to output, reordering existing columns, adding new columns with default or derived values, and removing unwanted columns. editcol can also handle different column delimiters, making it adaptable to various file formats.

editcol is often employed in data processing pipelines where quick and efficient column manipulation is required without the need for more complex scripting languages. Its straightforward command-line interface makes it accessible for users comfortable with shell environments and scripting. By enabling precise control over column structures, editcol facilitates data cleaning, transformation, and preparation for further analysis or import into other systems.