man command in Linux
The Linux man command is a fundamental tool for accessing manual pages in the Linux operating system. It provides detailed information about various commands, utilities, and system calls. By using the man command along with a specific command or topic, users can access comprehensive documentation, options, syntax, and examples related to that subject. This allows users to understand how to effectively use different commands and utilities within the Linux environment. The man command is essential for both novice and experienced users looking to expand their knowledge and enhance their proficiency in using the Linux operating system.
man Syntax:
man [options] [command]Linux man Options:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| -a | Show all available manual pages |
| -f | Display a short description of the command |
| -k | Search for commands based on keywords |
| -K | Same as -k but with a broader search |
| -C | Specify configuration file to use |
| -L | Specify language for the manual page |
| -S | Search for commands in specific sections of the manual |
| -w | Show the location of the manual page without displaying it |
| -W | Like -w, but only display the file location path |
man Parameters:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| command | The command or manual page to display |
How to use man command:
Display man page for ls command
man lsDisplay the manual page for the “ls” command.
Search for a specific term in man pages
man -k listSearch for the term “list” in all manual pages.
Open a specific section of a man page
man 5 passwdOpen section 5 of the “passwd” command’s manual page.
View options available for a specific command
man -hView the available options and syntax for the “man” command.
View a specific line in a man page
man -P cat ls | lessView a specific line in the manual page for the “ls” command using the “cat” and “less” commands.
View a specific section of a command’s manual page
man grep | less +/regularView the part of the manual page for the “grep” command that contains the term “regular”.
Display man page with specific formatting
man --troff ls | lessDisplay the manual page for the “ls” command using the troff formatter and pipe it to the “less” command for easier reading.
Display information about a system call
man 2 writeDisplay information about the “write” system call.
How do I use man in Linux?
To use the man command in Linux, execute the following command:
man --option <value>How can I find help on a specific command using man?
To find help on a specific command using man in Linux, use the following command:
man <command>How do I search for a keyword in a man page?
To search for a keyword in a man page in Linux, use the following command:
man -k <keyword>How can I specify a section for the man command?
To specify a section for the man command in Linux, use the following command:
man <section_number> <command>Can I view a specific section of a man page?
Yes, you can view a specific section of a man page in Linux by using the following command:
man <section_number> <command>How do I view the next occurrence of a search term in a man page?
To view the next occurrence of a search term in a man page in Linux, use the following command:
man --reedit <search_term>How can I open the man page in a specific program rather than the default pager?
To open the man page in a specific program rather than the default pager in Linux, use the following command:
man --pager=<program> <command>How can I view the source file location of a man page?
You can view the source file location of a man page in Linux by using the following command:
man --where <command>How do I get a brief description of a command from the man page?
To get a brief description of a command from the man page in Linux, use the following command:
man -f <command>Applications of the man command
- Display manual pages for commands and functions
- Get detailed information about command usage, options, and syntax
- Learn how to use a specific command or function
- Access documentation for system calls and library functions
- Navigate through different sections of the manual pages
- Search for specific keywords or topics within the manual pages
- View examples and practical usage scenarios for commands
- Enhance your understanding of the Linux system and its utilities