---
name: "zero"
section: "4freebsd"
platform: "linux"
package: "freebsd-manpages"
version: "12.2-2"
release: "Debian 13 (Trixie)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/zero/4freebsd"
---

# zero(4freebsd)

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

## HISTORY

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