Section 3 of 3 - Return to Section 1?
Part of my writing on hobby videogame development
What Command-Line Arguments are Valid? Required?
If you're ever unsure what command line arguments are allowable for a given compiler, other program, or system command (basic functionality like dir/ls, cd, etc.), try giving the program name or command an argument like "/?" (DOS), "--help" (works for gcc and g++ compiler), "-help" (works for Adobe's mxmlc Flash compiler), or if using Mac/Linux, typing "man" (short for manual) before it, like so:
dir /?
gcc --help
./mxmlc -help
man ls [Note: Use arrows to scroll, and press the Q key to quit]
After typing these, the command-line window will be filled with text describing optional arguments, or additional parameters/arguments for additional detail.
In many cases, programs and system commands that require command-line arguments will provide helpful details about what arguments are needed if the program is called without passing any arguments.
What Are Some Other System Commands?
Here is a summary of common system commands, including those covered earlier:
| Purpose | Windows/DOS | Mac/Linux |
|---|---|---|
| View directory contents | dir | ls |
| Change active directory | cd | cd |
| Identify current folder | [in the prompt] | pwd |
| Copy a file or folder | copy | cp |
| Rename/move file or folder | ren | mv |
| Make folder | mkdir | mkdir |
| Remove folder (Must be empty) | rmdir | rmdir |
| Remove file | del | rm |
Now What?
You've been introduced to:
This is far from a comprehensive guide on how to use the command-line, but with a little practice navigating between folders, more online reading, and experimenting with "/?" arguments or "man" calls to investigate options for the system commands, the command-line can become a lot more comfortable. Next time you find a technical walkthrough that involves using command-line arguments, you'll be ready.
-Chris DeLeon
chris@gamedevlessons.com
April 28, 2010