---
name: "null"
section: "4"
platform: "freebsd"
package: "base"
version: "16.0-CURRENT-20261027-61c70dc16a79"
release: "FreeBSD 16.0-CURRENT (2026-10-27)"
platforms: ["linux", "freebsd", "openbsd", "macos"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/null/4"
---

# null(4)

the null device

## NAME

**null** – the null device

## DESCRIPTION

The **null** device accepts and reads data as any ordinary (and willing) file - but throws it away. The length of the **null** device is always zero.

## FILES

- */dev/null*

  ## SEE ALSO

[full(4)](/full/4.md), [zero(4)](/zero/4.md)

## HISTORY

A **null** device appeared in Version 4 AT&T UNIX.