Learn man Command in Linux: Start Using Linux Manual Pages the Right Way

The true power of Linux lies in the command-line interface. Whether you're a complete beginner or an advanced user, man will be one of the most important tools in your Linux toolbox. Follow this blog post to find out what the man command is, how to use it, and how to work effectively with it.

 What is the man Command?

The manual command, or man for short, prints out documentation in the form of manual pages for other commands, utilities, and functions on a Linux system. These manual pages give a detailed explanation of the usage, options, and examples associated with a command.

If you want to know how to use the ls command, for example, simply type:

man ls

This will display the ls manual page, explaining what the command does, how to use it, available options, and examples.

 Why is the man Command Important?

  • Built-in Documentation: The man command provides detailed, comprehensive documentation covering nearly every Linux command and utility.
  • No Internet Required: Manual pages are stored locally, so you don't need an internet connection.
  • Standard Format: Manual pages follow a consistent structure, making it easy to find the information you need.
  • Learn As You Go: You can explore new commands without relying on external materials.

 How to Use the man Command

The basic syntax of the man command is:

man [options] <command_name>

For example:

man grep

 Navigating Manual Pages

You can navigate through a manual page using the following keys:

  • Arrow Keys: Move up and down within the document.
  • Spacebar: Advance one page forward.
  • Enter: Move one line forward.
  • b: Move one page backward.
  • /search_term: Search for a specific term (e.g., /pattern).
  • n: Go to the next occurrence of the search term.
  • N: Go to the previous occurrence of the search term.
  • q: Quit the manual page.

 Sections of Manual Pages

Manual pages are divided into sections, each focusing on different types of content. Here are the standard sections:

  • Section 1: General user commands (e.g., ls, grep).
  • Section 2: System calls (e.g., open, read).
  • Section 3: Library functions (e.g., printf, malloc).
  • Section 4: Special files (e.g., /dev).
  • Section 5: File formats and conventions (e.g., /etc/passwd).
  • Section 6: Games and screensavers.
  • Section 7: Miscellaneous (e.g., man, bash).
  • Section 8: System administration commands (e.g., iptables, fdisk).

To view a specific section of a manual page:

man <section_number> <command_name>

For example:

man 5 passwd

 Advanced Usage of the man Command

CommandDescription
man -k <keyword>Search for manual pages related to a keyword
man -a <command>Display all available sections for a command
man <section_number> <command>View a specific section of a command
man -w <command>Show the file path of a manual page
man -f <command>Display a short description of a command (same as whatis)

 1. Search for Manual Pages

man -k <keyword>

For example:

man -k network

  2. Display All Sections

man -a <command_name>

For example:

man -a passwd

 3. View a Specific Section

man <section_number> <command_name>

For example:

man 3 printf

 4. Display the Location of Manual Pages

Use the -w option to get the location of a manual page on your system:

man -w <command_name>

For example:

man -w ls

 5. View a Short Description

Use the -f option to display a brief description of a command:

man -f <command_name>


This is the same as using the whatis command.

 Tips and Tricks

1. Use man man: To learn more about the man command itself, type:
   man man
2. Learn less Commands: The man pages are displayed using the less pager. Learning less commands will improve your navigation.
3. Customize Output: Set environment variables like MANPAGER and PAGER to change how man operates.
4. Install Missing Manual Pages: If a manual page is missing, install it using a package manager.
   On Debian-based systems:
   sudo apt install manpages-dev
5. Use tldr for Quick Examples: If man pages are too lengthy, try the tldr command for concise explanations:
   tldr <command_name>

The man command is an essential tool for working with Linux. Its rich and accurate documentation makes it easy for users to master their command-line skills. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced Linux user, mastering man will significantly enhance your productivity and confidence.


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