Linux shell scripting: hex number to binary string

Question

I am looking for some easy way in shell script for converting hex number into sequence of 0 and 1 characters.

Example:

5F -> "01011111"

Is there any command or easy method for accomplish it or should I write some switch for it?

Answer 1

echo "ibase=16; obase=2; 5F" | bc

Answer 2

I used 'bc' command in Linux. (much more complex calculator than converting!)

echo 'ibase=16;obase=2;5f' | bc

ibase parameter is the input base (hexa in this case), and obase the output base (binary).

Hope it helps.