Chapter 3      Getting Started with the CLI
Command Usage Basics
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Catalyst 2900 Series XL and Catalyst 3500 Series XL Software Configuration Guide
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• abbreviated-command-entry<Tab>—Complete a partial command name.
Note No space before tabbing.
switch# sh conf<tab>
switch# sh configuration
• ? — List all commands available for a particular command mode.
switch> ?
• command ?—List of command keywords.
switch> show ?
• command keyword ?— List of command keyword arguments.
switch> show udld ?
FastEthernet       FastEthernet IEEE 802.3
Null               Null interface
VLAN               Switch VLAN Virtual Interface
When using context-sensitive help, the space (or lack of a space) before the 
question mark (?) is significant. To obtain a list of commands that begin with a 
particular character sequence, enter those characters followed immediately by the 
question mark (?). Do not include a space. This form of help is called word help, 
because it completes a word for you.
To list keywords or arguments, enter a question mark (?) in place of a keyword or 
argument. Include a space before the ?. This form of help is called command 
syntax help, because it reminds you which keywords or arguments are applicable 
based on the command, keywords, and arguments you already have entered.