Using Cisco IOS XE Software
Table 4: Help Commands and Purpose
Command
help
abbreviated-command-entry
?
abbreviated-command-entry
<Tab
>
?
command
?
Finding Command Options: An Example
This section provides an example of how to display syntax for a command. The syntax can consist of optional
or required keywords and arguments. To display keywords and arguments for a command, enter a question
mark (?) at the configuration prompt or after entering part of a command followed by a space. The Cisco IOS
XE software displays a list and brief description of available keywords and arguments. For example, if you
were in global configuration mode and wanted to see all the keywords or arguments for the arap command,
you would type arap ?.
The <cr> symbol in command help output stands for "carriage return". On older keyboards, the carriage return
key is the Return key. On most modern keyboards, the carriage return key is the Enter key. The <cr> symbol
at the end of command help output indicates that you have the option to press Enter to complete the command
and that the arguments and keywords in the list preceding the <cr> symbol are optional. The <cr> symbol by
itself indicates that no more arguments or keywords are available and that you must press Enter to complete
the command.
The following table shows examples of how you can use the question mark (?) to assist you in entering
commands.
OL-14127-17
Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers SIP and SPA Software Configuration Guide, Cisco IOS XE
Finding Command Options: An Example
Purpose
Provides a brief description of the help system in any command
mode.
Provides a list of commands that begin with a particular character
string. (No space between command and question mark.)
Completes a partial command name.
Lists all commands available for a particular command mode.
Lists the keywords or arguments that you must enter next on the
command line. (Space between command and question mark.)
Everest 16.5
9