jdeps -c/--classpath <was> Re: Review request JDK-8015912: jdeps support to output in dot file format

[Paul Sandoz]

On Jun 12, 2013, at 6:19 PM, Mandy Chung <mandy.chung at oracle.com> wrote:

> On 6/12/13 4:43 AM, Paul Sandoz wrote:
>> Hi Mandy,
>> 
>> Regarding the command line arguments of jdeps, would it not be more consistent to re-use the same classpath related arguments as javac/java/javap/javah
>> 
>>   "-c" becomes "-cp"
>>   "--classpath" becomes "-classpath"
>> 
>> ?
> 
> jdeps follows the GNU-style options which is different than the JDK style.  We discussed this issue about consistency and familiarity [1].   After using jdeps for some time, I admit that I find it hard to switch to the new -c short option (and confusing too) but relatively easy to move to --classpath option.  Mixing both GNU-style and JDK-style inconsistently adopting GNU style is not a good thing while GNU style is the direction we are going (e.g. pack200 follows GNU style).

Agreed mixing both is bad. 

Most developers will never use pack200, so arguably familiarity using JDK style trumps moving to the GNU style IMHO. But i will not press the issue if the ship has sailed on GNU style for new commands.

Paul.