extractandmerge

extractandmerge is a command-line utility designed for processing text files. Its primary function is to extract specific lines from one or more input files and then merge these extracted lines into a single output file. The utility allows users to define criteria for line extraction, such as matching patterns or line numbers. Once the desired lines are identified, they are combined in a specified order, creating a new consolidated file.

The tool is particularly useful in scenarios where data needs to be selectively gathered from various sources. For instance, it can be used to pull specific log entries from multiple log files, collect configuration parameters scattered across different files, or assemble parts of a larger document. The flexibility in defining extraction rules makes it adaptable to a range of data manipulation tasks.

extractandmerge typically operates by reading input files sequentially. Users provide instructions on which lines to keep and how to arrange them in the output. This can involve regular expressions for pattern matching or direct line number specifications. The merging process is straightforward, concatenating the extracted lines according to the user's defined sequence. The output is usually directed to a standard output stream or a specified output file. The utility is often employed in scripting and automation workflows where repetitive text processing tasks need to be handled efficiently.