Skip to content

info MacOS command

The MacOS info command provides access to in-depth information about commands and programs, including usage, options, and examples. By typing “info” followed by the name of the command or program, users can access comprehensive documentation to help them understand and utilize different functionalities. This tool is particularly useful for users who want to explore the capabilities of specific commands or programs, as well as for those who are looking to expand their knowledge of the MacOS operating system.

info Syntax:

Terminal window
info [option] [topic]

info Options:

OptionDescription
-fDisplay full documentation
-kSearch for commands
-nShow only a specific number of lines
-oSend output to a file
-hDisplay a help message

Parameters:

ParameterDescription
topicThe name of the command or topic you want information on.

info Command Usage Examples:

Show Information About the CPU

Terminal window
info cpu

Displays detailed information about the CPU on the macOS system.

Display Information About the Memory

Terminal window
info memory

Shows information related to memory usage, capacity, and other memory-related details on the macOS system.

View File System Information

Terminal window
info filesystem

Provides information about the file system including disk space, partitions, and other file system-related details.

Check Network Configuration Details

Terminal window
info network

Displays network configuration details such as IP addresses, network interfaces, and routing tables on the macOS system.

Show Software Package Information

Terminal window
info pkg

Shows information about installed software packages, versions, and other package-related details on the macOS system.

How do I use info in MacOS?

To use the info command in bash, execute the following command:

Terminal window
info --help

How can I access a specific section in info?

To access a specific section in the info command, you can specify the desired node or topic. For example:

Terminal window
info bash

How do I navigate within info pages?

To navigate within info pages, you can use the arrow keys, Enter key, and specific commands mentioned within the info documentation. For example:

Terminal window
info --subnodes bash

How do I search for a keyword in info pages?

To search for a specific keyword within info pages, you can use the search option followed by the keyword. For example:

Terminal window
info --search="example" bash

How do I exit the info command?

To exit the info command and return to the bash shell, you can press Q or Ctrl+C. For example:

Terminal window
info --node="topic" | less

How can I find more help about a specific command using info?

To find more detailed help about a specific command using info, you can explore the available options and flags provided in the documentation. For example:

Terminal window
info --options ls

How do I view the full info documentation for a specific command?

To view the full info documentation for a specific command, you can access the complete manual by specifying the command or topic. For example:

Terminal window
info --node="topic" command

Applications of the info command

  • Reading detailed documentation and manuals for various topics and commands
  • Accessing information on system configuration and settings
  • Building a comprehensive understanding of the Unix-based operating system
  • Troubleshooting and debugging system issues
  • Learning about available software packages and libraries
  • Exploring programming languages and development tools