If anything, the pre-pipe style of prog1 -input input_file -output tmp1_file prog2 -input tmp1_file -output tmp2_file && del tmp1_file prog3 -input

If anything, the pre-pipe style of prog1 -input input_file -output tmp1_file prog2 -input tmp1_file -output tmp2_file && del tmp1_file prog3 -input tmp2_file -output tmp1_file && del tmp2_file ... progN -input tmpX_file -output output_file && del tmpX_file is more in line with the author's claimed benefits of the pipes than the piped style itself. The process isolation is absolute, they are separated not just in space, but in time as well, entirely!