A quick command line tip for you today.
The manual page system built into Unix-like operating systems is often very helpful for looking up how to use a particular command. But what do you do if you know what you want to do, but not the command name? Or you want to look up all the commands relating to a specific keyword?
The apropos command looks through the man database and does exactly that. Give it a keyword and it will return you a list of possible matches, along with a handy description of each one.
It is a vital tool in your command line toolbox and can often save your sanity when your memory fails you on that command name. Enjoy!
Like this article? Subscribe to FOSSwire now (
Tectonic » Boost your command line skills with Apropos wrote:
[…] FOSSwire] Share this post: Share this post with the […]
# Posted on 23-Jan-08 at 2:16 pm
links for 2008-01-24 « LAN b4 Time wrote:
[…] FOSSwire » Use apropos to find the command you’re looking for (tags: command commandline Commands education inspiration learning linux shell tips tutorial unix terminal) […]
# Posted on 23-Jan-08 at 5:26 pm
Orientacija Linux komandos eilutėse : nežinau.lt wrote:
[…] prie Juozo pradėto švietimo. Pasirodo *nix sistemose galima rasti komandą apropos, kuri padeda surasti visas susijusias su ieškoma tema komandas. Pavyzdžiui apropos resolution turėtų parodyti visas komandas, reguliuojančias ekrano gebą ir […]
# Posted on 24-Jan-08 at 1:04 pm
Use Apropos to Learn New Terminal Commands [Terminal] | Satblog.info wrote:
[…] of Linux distros and other terminals. For more beginner help, check out Unix resources for newbies. Use apropos to find the command you’re looking for […]
# Posted on 25-Jan-08 at 7:12 am
erick wrote:
nice.
# Posted on 30-Jan-08 at 12:55 pm
Macca wrote:
man -k keyword does the same thing, and is much easier to remember (and spell correctly!)
# Posted on 24-Apr-08 at 12:04 am