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

# zero(4)

the zero device

## NAME

**zero** – the zero device

## DESCRIPTION

The **zero** device accepts and reads data as any ordinary (and willing) file, but throws away any data written to it, and returns an endless supply of null bytes when read.

## FILES

- */dev/zero*

  ## SEE ALSO

[full(4)](/full/4.md), [gzero(4)](/gzero/4.md), [null(4)](/null/4.md)

## HISTORY

A **zero** device appeared in 4.4BSD.