ginstall-info

ginstall-info [OPTION]... [FILE]...

--help
    Display help message and exit.

--version
    Output version information and exit.

FILE
    The info file to display or manage (e.g., adding or removing entries).

ginstall-info is a command-line utility primarily used on systems that lack a native info command, or when needing a GNU-compatible version. It's purpose is to manage and display info pages, which are documentation files often provided by installed software packages.
ginstall-info works by searching predefined directories for info files (typically located in /usr/share/info or similar locations). When executed, it parses these files and displays the requested information to the user in a navigable format.
It is a key tool for understanding software usage, configuration, and available features. It is frequently included as part of larger GNU tools packages and ensures that documentation is readily accessible regardless of the underlying operating system or the presence of a full-fledged info browser.

The exact behavior and options available may vary slightly depending on the specific version of ginstall-info installed. Often functions as a wrapper for the system's native info command.

ginstall-info is used in build systems to update the info directory file (dir) which is a table of contents for info pages.

ginstall-info evolved as part of the GNU project's effort to provide a consistent set of tools across different operating systems. It addressed the issue of varying or absent info systems, allowing developers and users to rely on a predictable way of accessing documentation. Over time, it was incorporated into many GNU packages. It ensured that documentation for the gnu tools was easily accessible.

info(1), man(1), pinfo(1)