[SOLVED] Question about man pages

Mr. Alex · 09-28-2010, 08:02 AM

In "man" pages there are somtimes:

Code:

For more details, see fstab(5).

What does "fstab(5)" mean here? It has a digit, so I don't know its meaning? How do I use this hint?

sem007 · 09-28-2010, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Alex

In "man" pages there are somtimes:

Code:

For more details, see fstab(5).

What does "fstab(5)" mean here? It has a digit, so I don't know its meaning? How do I use this hint?

man pages are devided into chapters.

in this case 5 is a chapter number.

you can use

Code:

man 5 fstab ##<- 5 is a chapter number

to view associated chapters you can use whatis command

Code:

debian:~# whatis time
time (7)             - overview of time and timers
time (1)             - run programs and summarize system resource usage

Regards,

onebuck · 09-28-2010, 08:34 AM

Hi,

In addition to what 'sem007' has stated, I would 'man man'.

You can also learn from these useful links;
Linux Documentation Project
Rute Tutorial & Exposition
Linux Command Guide
Bash Reference Manual
Advanced Bash-Scripting Guide
Linux Newbie Admin Guide
LinuxSelfHelp
Getting Started with Linux

The above links and others can be found at 'Slackware-Links'. More than just Slackware® links!

myposts · 09-28-2010, 10:28 AM

man pages have a fixed structure and are divided into standard sections. There ar emany fields they can contain, type
"man man" (it will show man page on command man itself!
and read all about it. I can also suggest, take a look on "for Beginner" training DVDs on UnixAcademy.com, it explain all the stuff, and there are some free exams to practice too.

Mr. Alex · 09-29-2010, 08:20 AM

Code:

man 5 fstab

and

Code:

man fstab

seem to have no difference in output.

GrapefruiTgirl · 09-29-2010, 08:25 AM

That's because they are the same page. Notice in the upper left corner of either invocation, they probably both say fstab(5). I'd be kinda surprised if not, or maybe you have that man page installed in two locations - I seem to only have one fstab man page..

An example might help: Try the printf man pages:

Code:

man printf
man 1 printf

Above, both go to the same page; however:

Code:

man 3 printf

is a different manpage, for a different printf (or, the same printf, but C programming related details).

sem007 · 09-29-2010, 09:36 AM

You can also use whatis command to see total chapters.

Regards,