Let's see, !a[$0]++ first a[$0] we look at the value of `a[$0]` (array `a` with whole input line (`$0`) as key). If it is null (empty) ( `!` is negation in test will eval to true) !a[$0] we print the input line `$0` (default action). Also, we add one ( `++` ) to `a[$0]`, so next time `!a[$0]` will evaluate to false. Nice, find!! You should have a look at code golf!