User-friendly scripts

Motivation

Using scripts from the command line can be very discouraging for the new or after long time returning user. I would like to set up an ecosystem, which has an internal logic which makes it more easy to start using scripts from the start and also when returning back.

Designed with a beginner in mind

User friendliness

  1. Getting help from the script is easy

  2. Having a video tutorial

  3. Availability of test files to see if the scripts are working the way you want

  4. Having the same syntax/logic across the scripts

  5. Creating a log of the actions which happened

  6. Being able to revert the action of the script

Friendly script - example

1. Getting help from the script is easy

Typing the name of the script without any arguments gives you:

  1. usage

  2. examples of use

  3. option to start a command line tutorial

  4. Link to a website/with gif of the tutorial

2. Having a video tutorial

Use the vhs from charm_ to create a gif tutorial showing functionality of the script

3. Availability of the test files

Every script should have a dedicated website where you can download the files to test the script on.

Additionally, would be great to be able to get this from the command line

4. Consistency of the syntax

  • same flags for the common stuff

  • expect the same structure of folders

  • ???

5. Creating a log of the actions which were done

  • Create a document with the exact command which was run

  • List of files it run on

  • Output which was created

  • Date

  • Name and version of the script

6. Being able to "revert" the action of the script

  • never delete the original files

  • create the output in a new file/folder

  • create a script which when run reverts the action (renaming etc.)

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