splain
Explain shell commands
SYNOPSIS
splain [command] [options]
PARAMETERS
[command]
The command you want to understand. This is the command that splain will analyze and explain.
[options]
Options passed to the command you're analyzing. These options are parsed and described by splain.
DESCRIPTION
The splain command is a utility designed to help users understand complex command-line syntax. It parses a given command and provides a human-readable explanation of each argument, option, and their corresponding effects. It aims to simplify the learning curve associated with unfamiliar commands or intricate argument combinations. splain is particularly useful for beginners, as well as experienced users dealing with commands with numerous options.
The tool achieves this by querying a database of command descriptions and syntax explanations. When a user enters a command, splain searches its database for relevant information and displays it in a clear, easily digestible format. This removes the need to constantly refer to man pages or online documentation, offering a more streamlined and interactive learning experience.
Keep in mind that the effectiveness of splain relies on the completeness and accuracy of its command database. Some less common or newly released commands might not be fully supported, which may require manual investigation using traditional methods such as man or --help.
CAVEATS
The explanations provided by splain are only as good as its internal database. It might not be able to explain very new or uncommon commands, and could contain errors. It's also important to verify the information provided against the actual command's documentation.
DATABASE UPDATES
The accuracy and completeness of splain depends on regular updates to its command database. Check the tool's documentation for instructions on updating the database.
INSTALLATION
Installation methods may vary depending on your operating system and package manager. Common methods include using apt-get, yum, or building from source.