GNU yes(1) is not that fast! This implementaion is not only about 8 times as fast[0], it uses half as much CPU. Note that this implementation is not even optimal, the overhead at the start can be reduced by creating a buffer as large as the pipe and fill that buffer and only do one write(2) or vmsplice(2) to the pipe. Speaking of this overhead, this implementation is completely useless[1] unless the other program is will even read {PIPE_BUF} bytes (4096 on Linux, 512 on POSIX). Therefore, this implementation of yes(1) is just silly and should not be used by anyone. [0] On my computer. If you get different results please leave a comment. [1] Has no benefits what so every in any aspect at all.