LEARN(1) — UNIX Programmer’s Manual

NAME

learn − computer aided instruction about UNIX

SYNOPSIS

learn [ −directory ] [ subject [ lesson [ speed ] ] ]

DESCRIPTION

Learn provides CAI courses and practice in the use of UNIX. To start, simply type ‘learn’. The program queries you about the operation you wish to perform. The questions may be bypassed by naming a subject, and the last lesson number that learn gave you in the previous session. You may also include a speed number given with the lesson number, excluding the parentheses that learn places around the speed number. If lesson is ‘−’, learn prompts for each lesson; this is useful for debugging.

The subjects presently handled are as follows:

      editor
      eqn
      files
      macros
      morefiles
      C

The special command ‘bye’ terminates a learn session.

The −directory option allows one to exercise a script in a nonstandard place.

FILES

/usr/learn and all dependent directories and files

BUGS

The main strength of learn, that it asks the student to use the real UNIX, also results in possible baffling mistakes. It is helpful, especially for nonprogrammers, to have a UNIX initiate near at hand during the first sessions.

Occasionally, lessons are incorrect, sometimes because the local version of a command operates in a non-standard way. Such lessons may be skipped, but it takes some sophistication to recognize the situation.