Suggestions for implementation of a command line interface

Question

I am redesigning a command line application and am looking for a way to make its use more intuitive. Are there any conventions for the format of parameters passed into a co

Answer 1

Best thing to do is don't assume anything if you can. When the operator types in your application name for execution and does not have any parameters either hit them with a USAGE block or in the alternative open a Windows Form and allow them to enter everything you need.

c:\>FOO

FOO

USAGE FOO -{Option}{Value}

-A Do A stuff
-B Do B stuff

c:\>

Parameter delimiting I place under the heading of a religious topic: hyphens(dashes), double hyphens, slashes, nothing, positional, etc.

You didn't indicate your platform, but for the next comment I will assume Windows and .net

You can create a console based application in .net and allow it to interact with the Desktop using Forms just by choosing the console based project then adding the Windows.Forms, System.Drawing, etc DLLs.

We do this all the time. This assures that no one takes a turn down a dark alley.