introduction(9)

introduction(9)

Section 2: System Calls

Entries into the HP-UX kernel, including the C-language interface. These topics are primarily of interest to programmers.

Section 3: Library Functions

Available subroutines that reside (in binary form) in various system libraries. These topics are primarily of interest to programmers.

Section 4: File Formats

The structure of various types of ®les, primarily of interest to administrators and programmers. For example, the link editor output ®le format is described in a.out(4). Files that are used only by a single command (such as intermediate ®les used by assemblers) are not described. C-language declarations corresponding to the formats in Section 4 can be found in the directories /usr/include and /usr/include/sys.

Section 5: Miscellaneous

A variety of information, such as descriptions of header ®les, character sets, macro packages, and other topics.

Section 7: Device Special Files

The characteristics of special (device) ®les that provide the link between HP-UX and system I/O dev- ices. The names for each topic usually refer to the type of I/O device rather than to the names of individual special ®les.

Section 9: Introduction and Glossary

A general introduction (this one) and de®nitions of terms used in the HP-UX environment.

Composite Index (Printed Manual)

An alphabetical listing of keywords and topics based on the NAME section near the beginning of each manpage as well as other information, cross-referenced to manpage names and sections. The index also contains references to built-in features in the various command interpreters ("shells").

MANPAGE FORMATS

All manpages follow an established section heading format, but not all section headings are included in each manpage. A few manpages have self-explanatory specialized headings.

NAME

Gives the names of the commands, functions, or features and brie¯y states the purpose.

SYNOPSIS

Summarizes the syntax of the command or program entity. A few conventions are used:

Constant-widthcharacters indicate literal characters that should be entered exactly as they appear. These characters appear in bold in the online manpages.

Italic strings represent variable elements that should be replaced with appropriate values.

Roman square brackets ([ ]) indicate that the contents are optional.

Roman braces ({ }) indicate a required element, usually in a choice.

Ellipses (...) indicate that the previous element can be repeated.

Note: An argument beginning with a dash (-), a plus sign (+), or an equal sign (=) is often de®ned as a command option, even if it appears in a position where a ®le name could appear. Therefore, it is unwise to have ®les names that begin with -, +, or =.

DESCRIPTION

Discusses the function and behavior of each entry.

EXTERNAL INFLUENCES

Information under this heading pertains to programming for various spoken languages. Typical entries indicate support for single- or multibyte characters, the effect of language-related environment variables on system behavior, and other related information.

NETWORKING FEATURES

Information under this heading is applicable only if you are using the network feature described there

Introduction−2

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HP-UX Release 11i: December 2000