---
id: BACK-6
title: "CLI: Argument Parsing, Help, and Packaging"
status: Done
assignee: []
reporter: @MrLesk
created_date: 2025-06-04
labels: ["cli", "command"]
milestone: m-1
dependencies: ["task-3"]
---

## Description

Implement robust CLI argument parsing (e.g., using `commander.js` or `yargs`).
Provide helpful `--help` messages for all commands.
Use `bun build --compile` to create a standalone executable.
Define `bin` script in `package.json` for npm distribution.

## Acceptance Criteria

- [x] All commands have clear help messages.
- [x] CLI arguments are parsed correctly.
- [x] `bun build --compile` produces a working executable.
- [x] `package.json` configured for CLI publishing.

## Implementation Notes

**CLI Framework & Argument Parsing (src/cli.ts:7-11):**
- Implemented using Commander.js for robust argument parsing and command structure
- All commands provide comprehensive help messages with `--help` flag
- Supports command aliases (e.g., `task` and `tasks`)
- Proper option parsing with short and long flags (e.g., `-d, --description`)

**Help System:**
- Main CLI help: `backlog --help` shows all available commands
- Command-specific help: `backlog task --help`, `backlog doc --help`, etc.
- Subcommand help: `backlog task create --help` shows create-specific options
- All help messages include clear descriptions and usage examples

**Build System (package.json:24):**
- Dual build process: Node.js distribution + standalone executable
- `bun build --compile` creates platform-specific binary (`cli/backlog`)
- Node.js wrapper script (`cli/index.js`) for npm distribution
- Automatic executable permissions (`chmod +x`) for both formats

**NPM Distribution (package.json:6-8):**
- `bin` field configured to point to `./cli/index.js`
- Enables global installation via `npm install -g backlog.md`
- Entry point uses ES modules with dynamic import for compatibility

**Testing Coverage:**
- `src/test/build.test.ts` validates compiled executable functionality
- Tests verify help output and binary execution
- All 111 tests pass including build verification
- CLI integration tests cover all command argument parsing

**Key Features Verified:**
- Complex argument parsing: multi-flag commands work correctly
- Help system: comprehensive documentation for all commands
- Executable compilation: `./cli/backlog --help` functions properly
- NPM compatibility: `./cli/index.js` works as distribution entry point
- Cross-platform: builds succeed and tests pass on current platform

This implementation provides a professional CLI experience with both standalone and npm distribution options.
