see what arguments are available for a command

naijaguy · 08-12-2004, 06:37 PM

When I type ls at the prompt, what argument can I type onto the end so that it will show me all the arguments I can put with ls?

btmiller · 08-12-2004, 06:42 PM

Try reading the man page: i.e. type 'man ls' at the prompt.

Alternatively, most programs have help options, usually -h or --help.

irlandes · 08-12-2004, 09:52 PM

I do not know when it applies, but there have been times when I type a command, and before I type the options I accidenttally hit the return key, it gives me the options in an error response.

mikshaw · 08-12-2004, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by irlandes
I do not know when it applies, but there have been times when I type a command, and before I type the options I accidenttally hit the return key, it gives me the options in an error response.

This typically applies when the application requires command options. In this situation the program is probably coded to respond in the same way as if you had typed --help or -h.