Using notation conventions for Linux commands
The procedures in the next sections use the notation conventions in the following table when referring to specific Linux commands. The conventions outline the correct command syntax, and which options and arguments are required and which are optional. When using the conventions below, do not type the brackets. For example, when a procedure tells you to type ls [-p], type ls -p, without the square brackets. For more information about options and arguments, see "Understanding Linux commands."
If you see... |
This means... |
Text on its own (without any brackets) |
Type exactly what you see. |
Text in square brackets [] |
The text is optional. |
Text in angle brackets <> |
Replace with appropriate text, for example, <filename> means replace the text with the filename you want to use. |
Text in curly braces {} |
Choose only one of the values inside the braces. Make sure to include the hyphen sign (-) before the value, for example, ls {p|a|s}. |
An ellipsis |
Multiple arguments can follow the command. For example, ls <directory>... means that you can list the content in multiple directories, for example, typing ls desktop new, lists all files and subdirectories in the desktop directory and the new directory. |
Text or ellipsis within multiple brackets |
You can combine these conventions. For example, ls [<directory>...] means that you have the option to list one or more directories. |
The procedures in the following sections introduce a few of the commands you can use when navigating the file system and performing file operations. You can refer to the Manual pages for more information about specific commands or programs. You can access the Manual pages by typing man [command] at the command line. For example, typing man cd opens the Manual page for the Change Directory command.