title: grep never returns anything unless I put a * or . on the end - why?
body: <p>If I put a * or . on the end of a grep command, I will get results instantly. However, if I don't, the command never returns anything.</p>
  
  <p>I'd appreciate it if someone could tell me why, or direct me to a source that includes that information!  Looking online all, everything talks about searching FOR a period or asterisk in your search. Most examples don't include a * or ., and the ones that do don't tell me what they're actually doing.</p>
  
  <p>Thanks!</p>