man

Overview

The man command displays system reference manuals. It provides detailed documentation for commands, file formats, system calls, library functions, and more.

Syntax

man [options] [section] page

Common Options

Option Description
-f Same as whatis
-k Same as apropos
-w Show manual file path
-a Show all pages
-K Search for string
-l Local file
-p pager Choose pager
-t Format for printing
-H browser HTML browser
-S list Manual sections
-M path Manual path

Manual Sections

Section Content
1 User commands
2 System calls
3 Library functions
4 Special files
5 File formats
6 Games
7 Miscellaneous
8 System administration
9 Kernel routines

Key Use Cases

  1. Command reference
  2. System documentation
  3. Programming help
  4. Configuration info
  5. Troubleshooting

Examples with Explanations

Example 1: View Manual

man ls

Show ls command manual

Example 2: Specific Section

man 5 passwd

Show passwd file format

Example 3: Search Pages

man -k directory

Search for directory-related pages

Common Usage Patterns

  1. Quick reference:

    man command

  2. Find command:

    man -k keyword

  3. All sections:

    man -a command

Additional Resources

Best Practices

  1. Use sections
  2. Search effectively
  3. Read thoroughly
  4. Take notes
  5. Cross-reference

Documentation Types

  1. Commands
  2. Configuration
  3. Programming
  4. System
  5. Standards

Troubleshooting

  1. Missing pages
  2. Display issues
  3. Search problems
  4. Path configuration
  5. Language settings