Re: bug in sort manpage: -k syntax is wrong

[Matthew Woehlke]

Jeff Lerman wrote:
> I note that in the manpage for the "sort" utility, the -k flag syntax
> claims that an "=" should be used between the flag and the argument(s).
> Quoting:
>
>        -k, --key=POS1[,POS2]
>
>               start a key at POS1, end it at POS2 (origin 1)
>
> This is incorrect and results in an error from "sort.  The correct
> syntax omits the "=" and allows but does not require whitespace between
> -k and the argument(s).

This is how long args always work in GNU software (and any other 
software that follows the NU convention). '-k <arg>' works. 
'--key=<arg>' works. '-k<arg>' can be generally expected to work. 
'-k=<arg>' is wrong. So is '--key<arg>' and '--key <arg>'.

> ----+----
> This email message (and any attached document) contains information
> [snip unenforceable disclaimer]

Such disclaimers are frowned upon when posting to a public list, and are 
unenforceable. Please consider either contacting your IT department and 
having this removed, or using an e-mail account that does not add this.

--
Matthew
Person A: It's an ISO standard.
Person B: ...And that means what?
  --mal (http://theangryadmin.blogspot.com/2008/04/future.html)