GNU Awk, written by Sundeep Agarwal, is a comprehensive guide to using the GNU implementation of awk, a powerful text-processing tool used by developers and system administrators alike. The book is designed to be an introduction to awk for beginners, with a focus on practical advice and best practices.

The book covers all the basics of awk, including how to write basic scripts, how to use pattern matching and regular expressions, and how to process data using awk’s built-in functions. It also includes more advanced topics such as programming with awk, using awk in shell scripts, and working with large datasets.

One of the key strengths of GNU Awk is its focus on practical advice and best practices. The book provides tips and tricks for using awk effectively in real-world scenarios, including how to process data from files, pipes, and command-line arguments, how to format output, and how to automate common tasks.

The book also includes a comprehensive reference section that provides detailed information on awk’s commands, options, and functions. This makes it easy to look up specific information and quickly find the answers you need.

Throughout the book, Agarwal provides clear explanations and examples, making it easy to understand even the most complex concepts. He also includes tips for optimizing performance, troubleshooting common problems, and working with large datasets.

Whether you’re a beginner just getting started with awk or an experienced developer looking for a comprehensive guide, GNU Awk is an invaluable resource. With its focus on practical advice and clear explanations, this book is sure to help you become a more effective and efficient developer, and master awk like a pro.