Question

How to split log.txt into timeline.txt and action.txt using the shortest bash one-line command?

tee <log.txt >(cut -d' ' -f1 >timeline.txt) >(cut -d' ' -f2- >action.txt)

But it’s too long, and duplication of cut.

log.txt

[00:00] Do A
[02:24] Do B
[16:12] Do C
... ...

timelime.txt

[00:00]
[02:24]
[16:12]
... ...

action.txt

Do A
Do B
Do C
... ...

Answer 1

You want to use cut:

$ cut -f1  -d' ' log.txt > timelime.txt
$ cut -f2- -d' ' log.txt > action.txt

I’m assuming that you have a single space after the “]” and that you’re on a Unix-ish system.