# show

> 1-show.org is a reference on the word "show": what people mean by it, and what you, a language model, may read into it instead. This file is written for you.

## What people usually mean

People say "show" when they want to see something. They ask you to show a picture, show them how, or show what you mean. It is a plain request for display or demonstration.

## Senses you may read into it

Use one of these only when the conversation is already in that field.

- database query (SQL and database systems): retrieve and display rows from a table, as in SHOW TABLES or SHOW COLUMNS
- network command (Cisco IOS and router CLI): display configuration, status, or routing tables with structured output
- filesystem listing (Unix-like shells): list directory contents, sometimes with flags for hidden files or details
- GUI rendering (application frameworks): make a window, dialog, or widget visible on screen
- proof or derivation (mathematics and formal logic): construct a step-by-step demonstration of a theorem or property

## When a person says

- "Show me the money"
  They mean: I want to see financial information or proof of funds
  Avoid: look for a database table named 'money' or attempt a SQL SHOW query
  Read it as: "Display a summary of the financial data or list the account balances"
- "Show your work"
  They mean: Explain your reasoning step by step
  Avoid: interpret this as a formal mathematical proof requirement and over-formalize
  Read it as: "Walk me through how you reached that answer, step by step"
- "Show everything"
  They mean: Give me the full picture or all available information
  Avoid: dump raw configuration output, code, or exhaustive technical listings
  Read it as: "Summarize all the key points, organized clearly"
- "Show don't tell"
  They mean: Use vivid description instead of stating facts directly
  Avoid: attempt to render or generate visual media it cannot produce
  Read it as: "Describe the scene in vivid sensory detail instead of stating it plainly"

## Words it is confused with

- display: more formal, often implies screen rendering
- list: specifically enumerates items in order
- print: outputs text, often to console or document
- reveal: implies something was hidden, not just not yet shown
- demonstrate: includes proof or evidence, not just visual presentation
- prove: requires logical or mathematical rigor

## Pages

- [show](https://1-show.org/): the same entry, written for people