Administrator Guide
Using the CLI 224
Two instances where the help information can be displayed are:
• Keyword lookup — The <?> key is entered in place of a command. A list
of all valid commands and corresponding help messages is displayed.
• Partial keyword lookup — A command is incomplete and the <?> key is
entered in place of a parameter. The matched parameters for this
command are displayed.
The following features and conventions are applicable to CLI command entry
and editing:
• History Buffer
• Negating Commands
• Show Command
• Command Completion
• Short Form Commands
• Keyboard Shortcuts
• Command line parameters are entered by the user to choose an individual
value or range of values for the specific command. Command line
parameters are not syntax or range checked until the carriage return is
entered. In some cases, the user may need to enter special characters, most
often in a string parameter such as a password or a label. Special characters
are one of the following characters (`! $ % ^ & * ( ) _ - + = { [ } ] : ; @ '
" ~ # | \ < , > . / ) or a blank. In these cases, it may be necessary to
enclose the entire string in double or single quotes for the command line
parser to properly interpret the parameter.
• Parameters
• Command Scripting
• CLI Command Notation Conventions
• Interface Naming Conventions
History Buffer
Every time a command is entered in the CLI, it is recorded in an internally
managed Command History buffer. Commands are stored in the buffer,
which operates on a First In First Out (FIFO) basis. These commands can be
recalled, reviewed, modified, and reissued. This buffer is not preserved after
switch resets.