CLI Flags: -v, -V, and --v

I’ve been studying CLI tools and keep seeing different flag styles. Here’s what I’ve learned about conventions and differences.

Command structure

First, a common command structure:

A few more points:

1. Some commands have both short and long formats for options. In the figure, b doesn’t have a corresponding long format, but f has both -f and --force. Short and long parameters have the same effect; they’re just different ways of writing.

2. Short flags can often be combined, but not always. For example, git checkout -b newBranch -f cannot be combined into git checkout -bf newBranch.

3. Flags are case‑sensitive; some commands use uppercase flags.

4. Flags may take values using a space or = depending on the CLI. Docker supports both: --name="doc-searcher" equals --name "doc-searcher".

-v, -V, –v

With the structure in mind:

• -v is a short flag.
• --v is a long flag (though uncommon — most tools use names like --version).
• -V is a short flag using uppercase.

Recommendations

Different tools vary, which adds learning cost. When building your own CLI, follow common conventions. See commander.js for a well‑adopted model.

1. Use spaces to separate parameter values
2. Use both short and long formats: short format as a single character, long format as a complete word
3. Use lowercase for subcommands/parameters

Final Thoughts

1. Following CLI conventions improves efficiency and avoids mistakes.
2. Good CLI design lowers the learning curve.