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Recently, I stumbled over some configuration files. To gather more information about its structure and how the its used, I either do a quick research on the internet (just ask Google) or use the man command directly in the terminal.

In most cases it is obvious by which application the configuration belongs to which configuration file. The man page of the application refers to other man pages for further information and documentation. In the case I have no idea, a man -k file-or-path or apropos file-or-path points me sometimes in the right direction.

This approach works in most cases, but not always. Is there a convenient way to get more information in cases where I have no clue (apart from a research on the internet)? What are other strategies? Are there tools (some kind of ZSH plugins) you may recommend?

Gilles 'SO- stop being evil'
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  • I don't understand what you want to do. Search for a string in all man pages? – Gilles 'SO- stop being evil' Aug 06 '14 at 23:16
  • Once you get to that level of directedness in response to that level of vague input you're really talking about a search engine. Also, man pages are only installed if you install the corresponding package. I'd say google is actually the only reasonable solution here. – Bratchley Aug 06 '14 at 23:26
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    What about man -K file-or-path? – Cristian Ciupitu Aug 06 '14 at 23:55
  • Consider apropos (latin, I think for "appropriate"). As above, I believe that man -k is roughly identical to apropos. – ericx Aug 07 '14 at 00:12
  • man -K (please note the capitalized "K" in contrast to my example above) file-or-path is kind of what I was searching for. Thanks @CristianCiupitu! – index0 Aug 07 '14 at 00:15
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    @ericx According to the Oxford English Dictionary, apropos is actually an English word with the meaning "with reference to", "concerning" (it can also mean appropriate). It's derived from French à propos - (with regard) to (this) purpose. The latin version of this is ad propositum. – damien Aug 07 '14 at 02:02

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