8 File – What is .8 file and how to open it?

What is an 8 File?

An 8 file, also known as a Unix Section 8 Manual Page, is a text file that contains documentation for a specific command or utility in a Unix-like operating system. It provides detailed information about the command’s purpose, syntax, options, and usage examples. Section 8 manual pages are part of the Unix System Administration manual set and are typically named with the command name followed by “.8”. For instance, the manual page for the “ls” command would be named “ls.8”.

Uses of 8 Files

8 files are an essential resource for Unix system administrators and users who need to quickly understand the functionality and usage of various commands. They provide a standardized format for documenting commands, ensuring consistency and ease of reference. Users can access 8 files by typing “man” followed by the command name in a terminal window. Additionally, some graphical user interfaces (GUIs) include built-in manual page viewers that allow users to browse 8 files without using the command line. 8 files are particularly useful in troubleshooting and understanding advanced command-line operations.

Unix Section 8 Manual Page

Opening 8 Files

.8 files are manual pages used in Unix-like operating systems to provide documentation for system commands, configuration files, and other topics. They are typically accessed through the “man” command.

To open an .8 file, you can use the “man” command followed by the name of the file. For example, to open the manual page for the “ls” command, you would type:

man ls


This will open the .8 file in a pager, such as “less” or “more.” You can use the pager’s commands to navigate the manual page. For example, you can use the “space” key to move forward one page, and the “b” key to move back one page.

You can also use the “-f” option with the “man” command to open the file in a text editor. For example, to open the .8 file for the “ls” command in the “vi” text editor, you would type:

man -f ls


This will open the .8 file in the “vi” text editor, where you can edit and save it.

File Type and Usage

The .8 file extension denotes a Unix Section 8 manual page. Manual pages are text files that provide detailed information about commands, programs, system calls, and other system-related topics. Section 8 specifically contains information about system administration tasks, such as system tuning, networking, and security. These manual pages are used by system administrators and experienced users to understand the functionality and usage of various commands and tools.

Structure and Content

Unix manual pages adhere to a standardized format. The first line contains the name of the command or topic and the section number (in this case, 8). The body of the manual page is divided into several sections, each with a specific purpose. The name section provides a brief description of the command or topic. The synopsis section outlines the command’s syntax and arguments. The description section provides more detailed information about the command’s usage and functionality. Additional sections may include examples, options, environment variables, exit status, and related commands. The manual pages are designed to be concise and informative, providing essential information about the system’s functionality in a structured and easily accessible format.

Other Extensions