Quick Reference Guide

22 Command Syntax Overview
File Input and Output Commands
• File input is specified by the -i < filename > command, where < filename > is the name of the
input file.
• File output is specified by the
-o < filename > command, where < filename > is the name of the
output file.
Log Files
The -l < filename > or --logfile < filename > option records information output on the
command line to the specified log file. Each new line of output is preceded by a time stamp.
If the log file already exists, information is appended to the file. This allows multiple tools to use the
same log file to record information. This option should be used instead of redirection to record a utility’s
output since time data can assist with task diagnosis.
The log duplicates all standard output and error information to the specified file. Each log file begins with a
time stamp and utility name. For example,
YYYY/MM/DD HH:MM:SS < utilname > - < output text >.
The following is an example of the logging behavior:
2003/11/28 10:23:17 syscfg -
option1 =on
2003/11/28 10:23:17 syscfg -
option2 =on
2003/11/28 10:23:17 syscfg -
option3 =off
Help Option
The -h and --help options display general usage information for the utility. If the argument matches a
valid option, that option's usage information is displayed. If the option has arguments, the arguments are
displayed, separated by a | character. If the argument does not match a valid option, a usage error is given
(and usage information is displayed). This option cannot be replicated.
Error Checking and Error Messages
The DTK utilities check your commands for correct syntax when you enter them. When a command is
executed successfully, a message displays stating that your command has been successful. Unrecognized
or invalid options and arguments result in a usage error that displays the DTK utility name and version
along with a short message. For information about the error messages, see "Messages and Codes."