---
name: "mh-mkstemp"
section: "1mh"
platform: "linux"
package: "nmh"
version: "1.8-3"
release: "Debian 13 (Trixie)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/mh-mkstemp"
---

# mh-mkstemp(1mh)

create a temporary file

## NAME

mkstemp - create a temporary file

## SYNOPSIS

**/usr/lib/mh/mkstemp** \[**-help**\] \[**-version**\] \[**-directory** *directory*\] \[**-prefix** *prefix*\] \[**-suffix** *suffix*\]

## DESCRIPTION

**mkstemp** creates a temporary file using [*mkstemp*(3)](/mkstemp/3.md), or if the **-suffix** switch is available and used, [*mkstemps*(3)](/mkstemps/3.md). The file name identifies a unique, newly created file, and always contains 6 characters that appear to be random.

The **-directory** switch specifies a *directory* in which to create the file.

The **-prefix** switch specifies an initial part, before the 6 characters, of the file name.

The **-suffix** switch is only supported on platforms that provide the [*mkstemps*(3)](/mkstemps/3.md) library function.  It specifies a *suffix* to appear after the 6 characters; if it should begin with a special character such as a period, that must be explicit in *suffix*.

Unlike arguments to most switches of other **nmh** commands, the arguments to **mkstemp** switches can begin with a dash.

## EXIT STATUS

If **mkstemp** successfully creates the temporary file, it prints the file name on standard output and exits with status 0.  On failure, it prints a diagnostic message on standard error and exits with status 1.

## PROFILE COMPONENTS

None

## SEE ALSO

[*mkstemp*(3)](/mkstemp/3.md), [*mkstemps*(3)](/mkstemps/3.md)

## DEFAULTS

- \-directory

  current directory

- \-prefix

  none

- \-suffix

  none