Editing 912: Manual Override
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| title = Manual Override | | title = Manual Override | ||
| image = manual_override.png | | image = manual_override.png | ||
+ | | imagesize = | ||
| titletext = I think you mean 'GNU Info Override'. | | titletext = I think you mean 'GNU Info Override'. | ||
}} | }} | ||
==Explanation== | ==Explanation== | ||
+ | This comic makes fun of a trend in documentation for UNIX-like systems, specifically those that use the open source GNU toolchain. | ||
− | + | Historically, UNIX systems had a way to access descriptions of the available programs: the "man" (from "manual") command. | |
− | + | Typing "man program-name" would output a detailed text, called a "man page", describing the program's functionality, available command-line options, a list of related programs, etc. | |
− | Historically, | + | For many GNU-based programs, however, the output of "man program-name" will be very brief, mainly directing the user to invoke a GNU-specific information system (GNU Info), thus rendering the man page useless and annoying for the user. |
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==Transcript== | ==Transcript== | ||
− | + | [A plane is in a nosedive with smoke pouring from one wing. Text comes from someone reading in the cockpit.] | |
:"This is the emergency override system, which can be used to regain control of the aircraft. | :"This is the emergency override system, which can be used to regain control of the aircraft. | ||
:Complete instructions for activating this system are available as a GNU info page." | :Complete instructions for activating this system are available as a GNU info page." | ||
− | {{comic discussion}} | + | {{comic discussion}} |
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