AWK VS GNU M4

Compare AWK VS GNU M4 and see what are their differences

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Linux users can perform many types of searching, replacing and report generating tasks by using awk, grep and sed commands.

GNU M4 is an implementation of the m4 macro preprocessor.

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Portability
GNU M4 is highly portable and can run on almost any Unix-like operating system, which makes it versatile for various environments.
Macro Capabilities
It offers powerful macro processing features that are useful for a wide range of text processing tasks, such as configuring scripts, code generation, and templating.
Simplicity
M4 is relatively simple to use for basic macro processing tasks, which makes it accessible to new users and suitable for straightforward applications.
Integration
GNU M4 often integrates well with other tools and scripts, making it a useful component in build systems and automated workflows.

Limited Built-in Functions
Compared to more modern scripting languages, M4 lacks a wide range of built-in functions and features, which may limit its use for more complex tasks.
Steep Learning Curve
While simple tasks are easy to set up, mastering M4 for more advanced uses can require a deeper understanding of its syntax and capabilities.
Debugging Difficulty
Debugging macros in M4 can be challenging, especially for large scripts, due to the lack of advanced debugging tools and support.
Performance Considerations
For very large and complex scripts, performance may become an issue, as M4 is not optimized for handling large-scale data manipulation compared to more modern alternatives.