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Software Configuration Guide—Release 12.2(25)SG
OL-7659-03
Chapter 2 Command-Line Interfaces
Getting a List of Commands and Syntax
The Cisco IOS command interpreter, called the EXEC, interprets and runs the commands you enter. You
can abbreviate commands and keywords by entering just enough characters to make the command unique
from other commands. For example, you can abbreviate the show command to sh and the configure
terminal command to config t.
When you type exit, the switch backs out one level. To exit configuration mode completely and return
to privileged EXEC mode, press Ctrl-Z.
Getting a List of Commands and Syntax
In any command mode, you can get a list of available commands by entering a question mark (?).
Switch> ?
To obtain a list of commands that begin with a particular character sequence, enter those characters
followed by the question mark (?). Do not include a space before the question mark. This form of help
is called word help, because it completes a word for you.
Table 2-3 Frequently Used Cisco IOS Command Modes
Mode What You Use It For How to Access Prompt
User EXEC To connect to remote devices,
change terminal settings on a
temporary basis, perform basic
tests, and display system
information.
Log in.
Switch>
Privileged EXEC (enable) To set operating parameters. The
privileged command set includes
the commands in user EXEC
mode, as well as the configure
command. Use the configure
command to access the other
command modes.
From user EXEC mode, enter the
enable command and the enable
password (if a password has been
configured).
Switch#
Global configuration To configure features that affect
the system as a whole, such as the
system time or switch name.
From privileged EXEC mode,
enter the configure terminal
command.
Switch(config)#
Interface configuration To enable or modify the operation
of a 10-Gigabit Ethernet, Gigabit
Ethernet, or Fast Ethernet interface
with interface commands.
From global configuration mode,
enter the interface type location
command.
Switch(config-if)#
Console configuration To configure the console interface;
from the directly connected
console or the virtual terminal;
used with Telnet.
From global configuration mode,
enter the line console 0 command.
Switch(config-line)#