id: task-6 title: "CLI: Argument Parsing, Help, and Packaging" status: Done assignee: [] reporter: @MrLesk created_date: 2025-06-04 labels: ["cli", "command"] milestone: "M1 - CLI" 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.