IOS Command Syntax

A command might require one or more arguments. To determine the keywords and arguments required for a command, refer to the command syntax. The syntax provides the pattern or format that must be used when entering a command.

As identified in the table in the figure, boldface text indicates commands and keywords that are entered as shown. Italic text indicates an argument for which the user provides the value.

For instance, the syntax for using the description command is description string. The argument is a string value provided by the user. The description command is typically used to identify the purpose of an interface. For example, entering the command, description Connects to the main headquarter office switch, describes where the other device is at the end of the connection.

The following examples demonstrate conventions used to document and use IOS commands.

• ping ip-address - The command is ping and the user-defined argument is the ip-address of the destination device. For example, ping 10.10.10.5.

• traceroute ip-address - The command is traceroute and the user-defined argument is the ip-address of the destination device. For example, traceroute 192.168.254.254.

The Cisco IOS Command Reference is the ultimate source of information for a particular IOS command. 

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