Simple command line processing

• Download source files - 4 Kb

Introduction

I wanted a simple method to parse command line parameters that would compile on both Windows and Unix. I was familiar with getopt but I couldn't find a compilable version of it in a standalone version, so I decided to make a simple version of it myself.

The result is something that is something that uses the getopt format specification but isn't getopt. It is basic but that is what I wanted - something quick to learn, use and debug. This is the result.

Features

• Accepts getopt command line specification
• Simple
• Platform independent
• Case dependent or independent matching

Limitations

• It isn't getopt
• All options on the command line must use flags. i.e. "program [-o] input_file" won't work, use "program [-o] -i input_file" instead

Notes

• Uses exceptions
• If using case-insensitive option matching, ensure that the string passed through as a_pszOptions is all lowercase

Example Usage

try
{
    CSimpleOptions cl( argc, argv, "Oa:" );
    while ( cl.next() )
    {
        switch ( cl.option() )
        {
        case 'O':
            bOption = true;
            break;
        case 'a':
            strArgument = cl.arg();
        }
    }
}
catch ( const SIMPLE_OPTIONS_EXCEPTION & e )
{
    fprintf( stderr, "Invalid argument: %s\n", e.what() );
    return 1;
}