args4j is a small Java class library that makes it easy to parse command line options/arguments in your CUI application.

Why should I use it?

See my quick intro.

  • It makes the command line parsing very easy by using annotations.
  • You can generate the usage screen very easily.
  • You can generate HTML/XML that lists all options for your documentation.
  • Fully supports localization.
  • It is designed to parse javac like options (as opposed to GNU-style where ls -lR is considered to have two options l and R.)
  • It is licensed under the MIT license.

How can I use it?

  1. Check the sample. This is how your code will look like.
  2. Download the distribution or include the library from the Maven Repository at java.net.
  3. Write your code.