23 - 238 CCNA 2: Routers and Routing Basics v3.1 Instructor Guide – Module 2 Copyright © 2004, Cisco Systems, Inc.
To demonstrate the help feature, instruct students to set the clock without telling them which
commands to use. The question mark (?) will guide students through the process.
2.2.7 Enhanced editing commands
Enhanced editing commands are on by default. To disable enhanced editing mode, the
terminal no editing command can be used at the privileged mode prompt.
The editing command set provides a horizontal scrolling feature for commands that extend
beyond a single line. When the cursor reaches the right margin, the command line shifts ten
spaces to the left. The first ten characters of the line cannot be seen, but a user can scroll
back to check the syntax. It is represented by a dollar sign ($).
Some of the editing commands are as follows:
• Ctrl-A moves to the beginning of the command line.
• Ctrl-B moves back one character.
• Ctrl-E moves to the end of the command line.
• Ctrl-F moves forward one character.
• Ctrl-Z moves back out of configuration mode.
• Esc and then B moves back one word.
• Esc and then F moves forward one word.
The syntax of IOS commands can be complex. Keyboard editing features can be used to
correct text that has been entered. When a router is being configured, repetitive command
statements, typing errors that need to be fixed, and commands that need to be reused may be
encountered. Questions about the Ctrl key and Esc key sequences will probably appear on
the CCNA exam.
2.2.8 Router command history
The user interface provides a history of commands that have been entered. This feature can
be used to recall long or complex commands. The command history feature can be used to
complete the following tasks:
• Set the command history buffer size
• Recall commands
• Disable the command history feature
By default, the command history records ten command lines in the history buffer. To recall
commands, press Ctrl-P or the Up Arrow key to recall repeated commands. Press Ctrl-N or
the Down Arrow key to recall more recent commands in the history. The Ctrl-P and Ctrl-N
features are also likely to be tested on the CCNA exam.