The dd program can also perform conversions on the data as it is copied, including byte order swapping and conversion to and from the ASCII and EBCDIC text encodings.As a result, dd can be used for tasks such as backing up the boot sector of a hard drive, and obtaining a fixed amount of random data.dd can also read and/or write from/to these files, provided that function is implemented in their respective drivers.On Unix, device drivers for hardware (such as hard disk drives) and special device files (such as /dev/zero and /dev/random) appear in the file system just like normal files.ISRO CS Syllabus for Scientist/Engineer Examĭd is a command-line utility for Unix and Unix-like operating systems whose primary purpose is to convert and copy files.ISRO CS Original Papers and Official Keys.GATE CS Original Papers and Official Keys.