Using the CLI 31
Command Completion
If the command entered is incomplete, invalid, or has missing or invalid parameters, then the
appropriate error message is displayed. This assists in entering the correct command. By pressing the
<Tab> button, an incomplete command is entered. If the characters already entered are not enough for
the system to identify a single matching command, press "?" to display the available commands matching
the characters already entered.
Incorrect or incomplete commands are automatically re-entered next to the cursor. If a parameter must
be added, the parameter can be added to the basic command already displayed next to the cursor. The
following example indicates that the command interface ethernet requires a missing parameter.
Keyboard Shortcuts
The CLI has a range of keyboard shortcuts to assist in editing the CLI commands. The following table
describes the CLI shortcuts.
(config)#interface ethernet
%missing mandatory parameter
(config)#interface ethernet
Keyboard Key Description
Up-arrow key Recalls commands from the history buffer, beginning with the most recent command. Repeat the
key sequence to recall successively older commands.
Down-arrow key Returns the most recent commands from the history buffer after recalling commands with the up
arrow key. Repeating the key sequence will recall successively more recent commands.
Ctrl+A Moves the cursor to the beginning of the command line.
Ctrl+E Moves the cursor to the end of the command line.
Ctrl+Z / End Returns back to the Privileged EXEC mode from any mode.
Backspace key Moves the cursor back one space.
5400_CLI.book Page 31 Wednesday, December 17, 2008 4:33 PM