optionparsing
Optionparsing is the process by which a program interprets command-line arguments to identify options (flags and parameters that modify behavior) and positional arguments that convey input data or commands. It supports short options (for example -h) and long options (--help), as well as combinations of short options (-abc can be interpreted as -a -b -c). Values may be supplied as the next token or inline (for example -o value or --output=value). A special token -- is often used to disable further option parsing, after which all tokens are treated as positional arguments.
The result of optionparsing is typically a mapping from option names to values, plus a list of
Implementation approaches vary. Some programs implement a custom parser to tailor behavior; many languages provide libraries
Optionparsing is central to command-line interfaces; it reduces users' cognitive load by allowing consistent syntax and