improve UX for "--help" to show help pages
Affects | Status | Importance | Assigned to | Milestone | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
iproute2 (Ubuntu) |
New
|
Undecided
|
Unassigned |
Bug Description
Version: 4.20.0-2 on debian 10
In order to improve UX for the "ip" command line utility provided by this package, I propose there should be more consistent use of the "--help" command within the application.
Right now, and as many users expect it to, "ip --help" will print the full usage page. This is in line with many other tools.
But when using the "--help" flag on any object such as "ip link --help", the following message is printed:
-------
~# ip link --help
Command "--help" is unknown, try "ip link help".
~#
-------
In my opinion, this message creates unnecessary friction for the user.
It should immediately show the same output as "ip link help" would.
Therefore, I propose to internally link the (currently unknown) command "--help" to the handler for the proper "help" command in order to increase usability.
I'm happy to provide a PR if the concensus is that this is a good addition to iproute2.