How do I find out the exact name of a utility?

Question

Sometimes I forget the exact name of a tool I'd like to use. Sometimes I remember parts of it, sometimes I only know what it's used for.

Is there a way to find out the name of the program from within the terminal?

E.g. search tool for "window positioning manipulation" -> wmctrl

yes that's it. make it an answer and I'll vote it – user430 Oct 11 '17 at 12:55 — user430, Oct 11 '17 at 12:55

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Oct 11 '17 at 13:09

You're looking for apropos.

apropos(1) and whatis(1) are companions to man(1) that search through the descriptions of system programs. They're often useful in the situation you describe, when you know what you want to do, but don't know the exact name of the program you should use.

How do I find out the exact name of a utility?

1 Answers1