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Overview

Output options control how scan4all saves and formats scan results. You can export data in multiple formats for further analysis, reporting, or integration with other tools.

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Output Configuration

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-o, -output
string
File path to write scan results.If not specified, results are only displayed on stdout. The output format depends on the format flags used (-json, -csv).Examples:
# Save results to text file
scan4all -host example.com -o results.txt

# Save with absolute path
scan4all -host example.com -o /path/to/scan_results.txt

# Save with timestamp
scan4all -host example.com -o scan_$(date +%Y%m%d_%H%M%S).txt
The output file is created or overwritten. Ensure you have write permissions for the specified path.
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-json
boolean
default:"false"
Write output in JSON Lines format.Each line in the output file is a valid JSON object representing a discovered service or finding. This format is ideal for programmatic processing and integration with other tools.JSON Output Structure:
{"host":"example.com","ip":"93.184.216.34","port":80,"protocol":"tcp"}
{"host":"example.com","ip":"93.184.216.34","port":443,"protocol":"tcp"}
Examples:
# JSON output to file
scan4all -host example.com -o results.json -json

# JSON to stdout
scan4all -host example.com -json

# JSON for multiple hosts
scan4all -l targets.txt -o scan_results.json -json
JSON format is perfect for:
  • Parsing with jq or similar tools
  • Importing into databases
  • Integration with CI/CD pipelines
  • Automated analysis scripts
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-csv
boolean
default:"false"
Write output in CSV (Comma-Separated Values) format.Results are formatted as CSV for easy import into spreadsheets, databases, or analysis tools.CSV Output Structure:
host,ip,port,protocol
example.com,93.184.216.34,80,tcp
example.com,93.184.216.34,443,tcp
Examples:
# CSV output to file
scan4all -host example.com -o results.csv -csv

# CSV for reporting
scan4all -l targets.txt -o report.csv -csv
CSV format is ideal for:
  • Excel or Google Sheets analysis
  • Database imports
  • Report generation
  • Data visualization tools

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Output Formats

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Text Format (Default)

When no format flag is specified, results are output in human-readable text format: 
example.com:80
example.com:443
example.com:8080
Example: 
scan4all -host example.com -o results.txt

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JSON Lines Format

Structured data with one JSON object per line: 
{"host":"example.com","ip":"93.184.216.34","port":80,"protocol":"tcp","service":"http"}
{"host":"example.com","ip":"93.184.216.34","port":443,"protocol":"tcp","service":"https"}
Example: 
scan4all -host example.com -o results.json -json

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CSV Format

Tabular data with headers: 
host,ip,port,protocol,service
example.com,93.184.216.34,80,tcp,http
example.com,93.184.216.34,443,tcp,https
Example: 
scan4all -host example.com -o results.csv -csv

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Output Processing Examples

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Processing JSON Output

# Scan and extract specific fields with jq
scan4all -host example.com -json | jq '.port'

# Filter results
scan4all -l targets.txt -o results.json -json
cat results.json | jq 'select(.port == 443)'

# Count open ports
cat results.json | jq -s 'length'

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Processing CSV Output

# Import into sqlite
scan4all -l targets.txt -o results.csv -csv
sqlite3 scan.db ".import results.csv results"

# Filter with awk
cat results.csv | awk -F',' '$3 == 443 {print $1}'

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Processing Text Output

# Extract unique hosts
scan4all -l targets.txt -o results.txt
cat results.txt | cut -d':' -f1 | sort -u

# Filter by port
cat results.txt | grep ':443$'

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Combining with Other Options

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Silent Output Mode

# Only save results, no console output
scan4all -host example.com -o results.txt -silent

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Verbose with File Output

# Detailed console logs + file output
scan4all -host example.com -o results.json -json -v

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Stream Mode Output

# Real-time streaming to file
scan4all -l large_targets.txt -o results.txt -stream

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Output Locations

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Current Directory

scan4all -host example.com -o results.txt

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Absolute Path

scan4all -host example.com -o /var/log/scans/results.txt

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Home Directory

scan4all -host example.com -o ~/scans/results.txt

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Temporary Directory

scan4all -host example.com -o /tmp/scan_results.txt

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Best Practices

  1. Always save results: Use -o for important scans to preserve findings
  2. Use descriptive names: Include target, date, or scan type in filenames
  3. Choose appropriate format:
    • Text for quick review
    • JSON for automation
    • CSV for reporting and analysis
  4. Organize outputs: Create directory structure for different scan types
  5. Archive results: Keep historical scan data for comparison
  6. Secure output files: Scan results may contain sensitive information
  7. Check disk space: Large scans can generate substantial output

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Output Organization Example

# Create organized directory structure
mkdir -p scans/{web,infrastructure,reconnaissance}

# Web application scans
scan4all -host webapp.com -p 80,443,8080,8443 -o scans/web/webapp_$(date +%Y%m%d).json -json

# Infrastructure scans
scan4all -l servers.txt -tp 1000 -o scans/infrastructure/servers_$(date +%Y%m%d).csv -csv

# Reconnaissance
scan4all -l targets.txt -tp 100 -o scans/reconnaissance/recon_$(date +%Y%m%d).txt

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Troubleshooting

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No Output File Created

  • Check file path and permissions
  • Ensure parent directory exists
  • Verify disk space availability

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Empty Output File

  • No open ports found
  • Scan failed or was interrupted
  • Check with -v or -debug flags

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Incomplete Output

  • Scan was interrupted
  • Use -resume to continue
  • Check with -stats for progress

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Format Issues

  • Verify format flag is specified (-json or -csv)
  • Check for proper command syntax
  • Ensure no conflicting flags

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