MAN PAGE Meaning and
Definition
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A man page, short for "manual page," is a form of documentation commonly found in Unix-based operating systems that provides comprehensive details and instructions about a specific command, program, or system function. It is designed to help users effectively utilize the functionalities of various software and tools.
Generally, a man page is accessed through a command-line interface by typing 'man' followed by the name of the desired command or function. These pages resemble text documents and are formatted in a specific manner, divided into sections that cover various aspects of the topic being described.
A typical man page consists of a concise summary providing the basic usage, syntax, and purpose of the command or function. It includes detailed descriptions of the available options, parameters, and arguments, along with examples that illustrate their usage. Man pages often provide additional sections that explain related concepts, provide troubleshooting tips, or offer references to other relevant sources of information.
Furthermore, man pages are categorized into sections, each with a specific focus. Section 1 is dedicated to commands usable by both regular users and administrators, Section 2 focuses on system calls or library functions, Section 3 provides documentation for programming libraries, and so on. The organization of man pages into sections ensures easy navigation and helps users determine the most appropriate pages for their needs.
Overall, man pages serve as indispensable references for users seeking detailed information about specific commands or functions in Unix-like systems, making them an essential component of the documentation infrastructure in these environments.
Common Misspellings for MAN PAGE
- man pae
- nan page
- kan page
- jan page
- mzn page
- msn page
- mwn page
- mqn page
- mab page
- mam page
- maj page
- mah page
- man oage
- man lage
- man -age
- man 0age
- man pzge
- man psge
- man pwge
- man pqge
Etymology of MAN PAGE
The term "man page" is short for "manual page" and has its origins in the Unix operating system. In Unix-like systems, the command "man" is used to display the manual pages associated with various software programs, utilities, and system functions.
The word "man" in this context does not refer to the gender-specific term "man", but instead comes from the short form of "manual". The manual pages provide detailed documentation, explanations, and instructions on how to use different commands and programs within the Unix system.
The concept of manual pages in Unix dates back to the early days of the operating system's development in the 1970s. Since then, the term "man page" has become widely adopted and used in Unix and Unix-like systems to refer to these documentation pages.
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