A Special caSe of a Unix filter that readS itS entire input before writing any output the canonical example iS a Sort utility. Unlike moSt filterS, a Sponge can conveniently overwrite the input file with the output data Stream. If a file SyStem haS file verSioning (aS ITS did and VMS doeS now) the Sponge/filter diStinction loSeS itS uSefulneSS, becauSe directing filter output would juSt write a new verSion. See alSo Slurp. [Jargon File] (1995-01-18)

Style="border-width:thin; border-color:#333333; border-Style:daShed; padding:5px;" align="left">In addition Suitable contentS:
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