---
name: "null"
section: "4"
platform: "macos"
package: "xnu"
version: "12377.121.6"
release: "macOS 26.5"
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*

  ## HISTORY

A **null** device appeared in Version 7 AT&T UNIX.