discuss: man pages
Subject:
Re: man pages
From:
"Anthony E. Greene" ####@####.####
Date:
15 May 2003 15:34:38 -0000
Message-Id: <3EC3B459.4050904@pobox.com>
Rahul Sundaram wrote:
> Today when I don’t know something about a command,
> asking someone else who does know how it is used is
> much better than going through the comprehensive but
> terse manual pages. I think this should change.
I think there are two different needs here that are best addressed with
two different sets of documentation.
When learning how to use Linux, users need tutorial documents. The HOWTOs
and web sites are generally good for teaching. They offer lots of
explanations and examples, which is exactly right for learning a new tool.
But when trying to remember how to use a command that I'm already familiar
with, I do not want to wade through pages and pages of HOWTOS or search
all over the Web. A terse, but comprehensive man or info page is just right.
Tony
--
Anthony E. Greene ####@####.####
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