Overview
apropos searches the titles and descriptions of installed manual pages for specified keywords and outputs a list of related pages. This is very useful when looking for manual pages for a specific function or command.
Key Features
- Searches manual page names and descriptions
- Explores information based on keywords
- Provides the same functionality as `man -k`
Key Options
Search Criteria
Generated command:
Try combining the commands.
Description:
`apropos` Executes the command.
Combine the above options to virtually execute commands with AI.
Usage Examples
Various search examples using the apropos command.
Basic Search
apropos networkSearches for manual pages related to networking.
Include Both Keywords
apropos -a network configSearches for manual pages that include both keywords 'network' and 'config'.
Search in Specific Sections
apropos -s 1,8 userSearches for 'user' related manual pages in user commands (section 1) or system administration commands (section 8).
Exact Word Match
apropos -w "user"Searches for manual pages where the word 'user' matches exactly.
Tips & Precautions
Tips and points to note for effective use of apropos.
Useful Tips
- Same as `man -k`: `apropos` performs the exact same function as the `man -k` command. Use whichever is more convenient.
- Update Database: If new manual pages are installed or changed, you need to run the `sudo mandb` command to update the manual page database so that `apropos` can search for the latest information.
- Difference from `whatis`: `whatis` provides a one-line description for an exact command name, whereas `apropos` searches for all manual pages that contain the keyword.