How do I write new Linux commands that support options?

Question

How do I write new programs which shall run on Linux command line the same ways as the existing commands do, and which also can be used with the switches/options as ls-l,etc do?

Answer 1

Linux has a very rich command line language, and commands can be put in a file and executed, like a .bat file in Windows. To start, you create a plain text file and put your commands in it. You then make your file executable.

For instance, if your file name is "my_file", execute this command to make it executable:

chmod 755 my_file

To run it, execute this command:
./my_file

If you are just getting started with Linux commands, enter "linux command line introduction" in your favorite search engine.

Answer 2

N00B, you should be able to put the script together the same way, and then just run it through the GUI just like any other executable (double click). Hope this helps. 🤙

Answer 3

I see what you're sayin' Hardik Khane. But I think N00B is lookin' for a simpler, more hands on, 'tactile' approach. Blueprints v construction...to make an analogy. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Answer 4

Charlie Mitchell But I want to run the script without putting "./" in front of my script.

Answer 5

Charlie Mitchell I'll try tomorrow, thank you.

Answer 6

Adding the directory in which the executable is saved, to the PATH variable enables us to enter the command without ./ . But the problem of implementing the switches/options still remains.

Answer 7

Charlie Mitchell, I agree😀