2.6. Using the Text Interface Help System

The text user interface provides context-sensitive online help. Within the text menu system, you can obtain a brief description of each of the commands by entering a ? followed by the command in question.

Example:

?dis
 display/: Enter the display menu.

You can also enter a lone ? to enter “help mode.” In this mode, you need only enter the command or menu name to display the help message. To exit the help mode type q or quit as for a normal menu.

Example:

?

[help-mode]> di

display/: Enter the display menu.

 [help-mode]> pwd

 pwd: #[alias]
 (LAMBDA ()
   (BEGIN
   (SET! pwd-cmd ((LAMBDA n
  n) ’system (IF (cx-send ’(unix?))
    "pwd"
    "cd")))
  (cx-send pwd-cmd)))

 [help-mode]> q

To access the help, type a ? at the prompt when you are prompted for information.

Example:

> display/annotate Annotation text [""] ?
 Annotation text [""]