info

Overview

The info command reads documentation in Info format. It provides a more detailed and structured alternative to man pages, primarily for GNU software.

Syntax

info [options] [command]

Common Options

Option Description
-a Use all matching manuals
-k Look up string
-n Show specific node
-f Specify Info file
-w Show file location
-h Show help
-v Show version
--index-search Search index
--show-options Show options node
--subnodes Recursively output
--vi-keys Use vi-like keys

Key Use Cases

  1. GNU documentation
  2. Detailed manuals
  3. Tutorial reading
  4. Reference lookup
  5. System learning

Examples with Explanations

Example 1: View Info

info ls

Show ls documentation

Example 2: Search String

info --index-search="pattern"

Search in index

Example 3: Show Options

info --show-options command

Display command options

Common Usage Patterns

  1. Basic viewing:

    info command

  2. Specific node:

    info -n 'node' file

  3. All nodes:

    info --subnodes file

Additional Resources

Best Practices

  1. Learn navigation
  2. Use search
  3. Follow menus
  4. Read tutorials
  5. Take notes

Documentation Types

  1. Programs
  2. Libraries
  3. Utilities
  4. System
  5. Tutorials

Troubleshooting

  1. Navigation issues
  2. Display problems
  3. Missing files
  4. Search failures
  5. Key bindings