mhelp

mhelp is a command-line utility found on some Unix-like operating systems, particularly those derived from or heavily influenced by the original AT&T Unix. Its primary function is to display manual pages, which are the built-in documentation for commands, system calls, and other software components.

To use mhelp, a user typically types "mhelp" followed by the name of the program or topic they wish to learn about. For instance, typing "mhelp ls" would display the manual page for the "ls" command, providing details on its usage, options, and behavior. The output is usually paginated, allowing users to scroll through the information conveniently.

The content of manual pages is organized into sections, often including a name, synopsis, description, options, examples, and related commands. mhelp acts as a gateway to this essential system documentation, making it an indispensable tool for system administrators and users alike to understand and utilize their operating system effectively. While modern systems often use the "man" command for the same purpose, mhelp remains a recognizable utility in certain historical or specialized environments.