mandb

"Mandb" is a command line tool used in Unix-like operating systems to create, update, and search the manual page index. It stands for "man database." The manual pages, or man pages, provide detailed documentation about various commands, programs, and system functions available in the operating system. Mandb reads these man pages from their source files and creates an index for quick and efficient searching. It makes use of a pre-built database that stores information about the man pages, including their location, section, and title. The tool provides options to update the database, ensuring that changes in the system like installing new software or updating existing ones are reflected in the index. By keeping the database up-to-date, it enables users to easily search for relevant man pages using commands like "man -k" or "apropos". Overall, mandb plays a vital role in maintaining and accessing the extensive documentation present in Unix-like systems.