What command would be used to view the manual pages for a specific command in Linux?

The command used to view the manual pages for a specific command in Linux is "man." This command is short for "manual," and it provides detailed documentation about commands, system calls, library calls, and other system components. When you enter "man" followed by the name of a command, it displays the manual entry that explains the command's purpose, syntax, options, and usage.

For example, typing "man ls" will show the manual page for the "ls" command, which is used to list directory contents. The manual pages typically include various sections such as DESCRIPTION, OPTIONS, and EXAMPLES, making it a comprehensive resource for understanding how to use commands effectively in a Linux environment.

In contrast, other options like "help" generally provide a simplified overview of built-in shell commands rather than detailed manual entries. The "info" command is also used to display documentation, but it is often less focused and may cover broader topics or provide less depth on specific commands compared to the structured format of the "man" command. Thus, "man" is the standard and most widely used command for accessing detailed manual pages in Linux.