Re: [hackers] [sbase][PATCH] basename, dirname, printf: recognise -- and fail if options are used.

From: Mattias Andrée <maandree_AT_kth.se>
Date: Tue, 27 Dec 2016 15:14:44 +0100

On Tue, 27 Dec 2016 11:26:07 +0100
Laslo Hunhold <dev_AT_frign.de> wrote:

> On Fri, 25 Mar 2016 21:31:37 +0100
> Mattias Andrée <maandree_AT_kth.se> wrote:
>
> Hey Mattias,
>
> > basename.c | 5 ++++-
> > dirname.c | 6 +++++-
> > printf.c | 12 ++++++++----
> > 3 files changed, 17 insertions(+), 6 deletions(-)
>
> I do not support this patch, as "--" only makes sense for
> tools that actually take flags.
> I pity that GNU basename(1), dirname(1) and printf(1)
> take flags, however, see great value in being able to do
>
> $ printf --
>
> and get what you asked for instead of some error message
>
> printf: usage: printf [-v var] format [arguments]
>
> Cheers
>
> Laslo
>

POSIX says “--” should be supported unless stated otherwise.
I interpret that standard saying that this also applies utilities
that do not take any flags. And to be on the safe side I think
it is a good idea to support “--” for two reasons: (1) existing
scripts may require it, and (2) if POSIX adds a flag to the
utility in the future we must support “--” now, otherwise
compatibility will be broken.

Received on Tue Dec 27 2016 - 15:14:44 CET

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