How to Use the Command 'cs install' (with examples)

The cs install command is part of the Coursier command-line utility, which primarily helps manage JVM-based applications. Coursier allows users to quickly and efficiently manage Java dependencies and applications. The cs install command focuses on installing and managing applications directly from the command line, streamlining the process for developers and users alike.

Use case 1: Install a specific application

Code:

cs install application_name

Motivation:

Installing an application using the cs install command is the quickest way to add a new tool or library to your working environment. This command reduces manual downloading and configuring, making the process straightforward and efficient. It automates not only the download of applications but their installation into the configured installation directory, so they’re ready to use.

Explanation:

• cs: This is the Coursier command-line tool, which you invoke to manage your dependent Java applications.
• install: This command tells Coursier to initiate the installation process for the application specified.
• application_name: Replace this with the actual name of the application you want to install. It specifies precisely which application you want Coursier to fetch and set up.

Example output:

> cs install some-app
Fetching some-app 1.0.0 ...
Installed some-app

Use case 2: Install a specific version of an application

Code:

cs install application_name:application_version

Motivation:

Sometimes, you might need a specific version of an application due to compatibility issues or because a particular feature is only available in that version. This command ensures you have exactly the version you need.

Explanation:

• application_name: Refers to the actual name of the application you wish to install.
• application_version: The specific version number of the application. This determines the precise iteration of the application you want on your system.

Example output:

> cs install some-app:2.5.3
Fetching some-app version 2.5.3 ...
Installed some-app version 2.5.3

Use case 3: Search an application by a specific name

Code:

cs search application_partial_name

Motivation:

If you’re unsure about the exact name of an application or suspect there are multiple applications with similar names, the search command helps in listing possible matches. This can save time and avoid errors when searching for the exact application you need.

Explanation:

• application_partial_name: Provides Coursier with a partial name or keyword to search in the repository of available applications. This parameter acts as a filter to streamline search results.

Example output:

> cs search some-partial
Found matches:
- some-application-1
- some-other-application

Use case 4: Update a specific application if available

Code:

cs update application_name

Motivation:

Keeping applications up to date is essential for enjoying the latest features and security patches. This command makes the update process seamless for any particular installed application.

Explanation:

• update: This command queries Coursier’s repositories for the most recent version of the specified application, offering an upgrade if one is found.
• application_name: Specifies the name of the application to update.

Example output:

> cs update some-app
Current version: 1.0.0
New version available: 1.2.0
Updating some-app...
Installation complete.

Use case 5: Update all the installed applications

Code:

cs update

Motivation:

Instead of updating each application individually, this command attempts to update all installed applications in one go, thus saving time and ensuring your entire environment is current.

Explanation:

• update: The command leverages Coursier to compare current installations against available updates across all installed applications.

Example output:

> cs update
Checking for updates...
Updated some-app from 1.0.0 to 1.2.0
Updated another-app from 2.3.4 to 2.3.5
All applications are now up to date.

Use case 6: Uninstall a specific application

Code:

cs uninstall application_name

Motivation:

When you no longer need an application or want to free up system resources, uninstalling is an efficient way to remove unwanted software. This command clears it from your system cleanly.

Explanation:

• uninstall: Engages Coursier’s mechanism for removing installed applications.
• application_name: Identifies the application to be removed from the system.

Example output:

> cs uninstall some-app
Successfully uninstalled some-app

Use case 7: List all installed applications

Code:

cs list

Motivation:

Knowing what software is currently installed can help manage your environment better, ensuring you have necessary updates or consider clean-up where needed.

Explanation:

• list: Coursier command to enumerate all active installations, giving a quick overview of what’s installed.

Example output:

> cs list
Installed applications:
1. some-app 1.2.0
2. another-app 2.3.5

Use case 8: Pass specific Java options to an installed application

Code:

application_name -Jjava_option_name1=value1 -Jjava_option_name2=value2 ...

Motivation:

Running applications with specific Java options helps optimize performance, tweak the runtime environment, or set configurations like memory usage specific to your use case.

Explanation:

• application_name: The installed application on which you wish to apply the Java options.
• -J: Prefix indicating that the arguments following are to be passed directly to the Java virtual machine.
• java_option_nameX=valueX: Specific configuration options you intend to use, which define how the JVM operates while running the application.

Example output:

> some-app -Xmx1024m -Xms512m
Application started with specified JVM options.

Conclusion

Using cs install facilitates efficient application management, from installation and updates to configuration adjustments, reinforcing streamlined software control in developer workflows.