Command prompt utilities should have a readable help message

by Miha Markič 29. August 2007 21:14

Today I had to display ILMerge's help information (btw, ILMerge does merge assemblies in a single assembly and it is a must have free utility produced by [MS] Research labs). This is the output I've got:

C:\Progs\Vodovodi\Vodovodi.Utilities\AddPrefix\bin\Release>"C:\Program Files\Mic rosoft\ILMerge\ILMerge.exe" Usage: ilmerge [/lib:directory]* [/log[:filename]] [/keyfile:filename [/delaysig n]] [/internalize[:filename]] [/t[arget]:(library|exe|winexe)] [/closed] [/ndebu g] [/ver:version] [/copyattrs [/allowMultiple]] [/xmldocs] [/attr:filename] [/ta rgetplatform:<version>[,<platformdir>] | /v1 | /v1.1 | /v2] [/useFullPublicKeyFo rReferences] [/wildcards] [/zeroPeKind] [/allowDup:type]* /out:filename <primary assembly> [<other assemblies>...]

Clear, isn't it? Absolutely not - it is an unreadable mess. It is very obvious that this fine tool was written by scientists who don't care about friendly messages. They should use at least new lines!

C:\Progs\Vodovodi\Vodovodi.Utilities\AddPrefix\bin\Release>"C:\Program Files\Mic rosoft\ILMerge\ILMerge.exe" Usage: ilmerge [/lib:directory]* [/log[:filename]] [/keyfile:filename [/delaysign]] [/internalize[:filename]] [/t[arget]:(library|exe|winexe)] [/closed] [/ndebug] [/ver:version] [/copyattrs [/allowMultiple]] [/xmldocs] [/attr:filename] [/targetplatform:<version>[,<platformdir>] | /v1 | /v1.1 | /v2] [/useFullPublicKeyForReferences] [/wildcards] [/zeroPeKind] [/allowDup:type]* /out:filename <primary assembly> [<other assemblies>...]

So, a simple \r\n does make a huge difference. And there are plenty of fine tools/applications with a great engine and with crappy UI out there. I won't even mention Dotfuscator at this point.

Tags:

.net

Comments (4) -

Bojan Vrhovnik
Bojan Vrhovnik
8/30/2007 7:33:47 AM #

To bad, that shortcut CTRl + K + D is not present Smile

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David
David
8/30/2007 10:48:20 AM #

Why don't you make your command prompt window wwider? It helps...

If you didn't yet, you should also try Console (http://sourceforge.net/projects/console/).

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Miha Markic
Miha Markic
8/30/2007 11:29:28 AM #

Hi David,

Unfortunatelly both solutions aren't of any great help in this case. However, I didn't know about Console replacement - seems nice.

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Jon
Jon
11/4/2007 2:58:39 AM #

I actually prefer the compact version rather than your multi-line suggestion. Mind you, I'm one of those annoying people who put the opening brace on the same line as for, if, etc.

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Miha Markic

About me
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Microsoft MVP
 
Developer Express' DXSquad
INETA Country Leader for Slovenia
INETA Country Leader for Slovenia

Slovene Developer Users Group Lead
Friends of Red-Gate
LLBLGenPro Partner

Miha currently works as a free lance consultant and software developer specialized in .net area.
He graduated in Computer and information science at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. He has accumulated experience in various programming languages such as Java, Visual Basic 3-6 (MCP), Visual C++, Delphi, C# and VB.Net through years.
He has experience in practically all (technical) stages of project development, including planning, framework development, user interface, business processes, as well as testing and documenting. He has worked on big and small projects in Slovenia and abroad (e.g. participated in completing level 3 IS for the Nucor steel plant, Hertford, USA).
Currently he enjoys programming in .net environment using C#. Since 2000 he has been active in Developer Express' DX Squad and has been ECDL trainer and tester. He also gives lectures on conferences and other events in Slovenia.

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