How to Use the Command 'flash' (with examples)

Flash is a highly versatile tool designed for users who prefer to practice and memorize information using flashcards in their terminal environment. It provides a convenient and efficient way to rehearse knowledge across a variety of subjects. The tool offers several functionalities, such as selecting from available decks, previewing, and getting detailed information about the system in use. Its minimalist design aims to blend the practicality of flashcards with the power of the command line interface.

Use Case 1: Open a Menu of Available Flashcard Decks for Selection

Code:

flash

Motivation:

Opening a menu of available flashcard decks allows users to easily browse and choose from pre-existing decks they have created or downloaded. This functionality is useful for quickly navigating through different topics and starting a practice session without manually searching through directories or files. It streamlines the study process, enhancing focus and efficiency.

Explanation:

• No arguments are needed beyond the command name flash. The system automatically accesses the default location where flashcard decks are stored and lists them for user selection.

Example Output:

Select a deck:
1) Spanish Vocabulary
2) U.S. History
3) Computer Science Concepts
4) Exit

Use Case 2: Display Information About the Flashcard System

Code:

flash -i

Motivation:

Understanding how a system functions is crucial for users to utilize it effectively. Displaying information about the flashcard system helps users to comprehend the capabilities, features, and operational nuances. It is also beneficial for new users who are exploring the tool for the first time and need a comprehensive understanding of its functionalities.

Explanation:

• The flag -i stands for “information,” indicating that the user requests detailed information about the flashcard system.

Example Output:

Flash Version: 1.2.3
Author: tallguyjenks
GitHub: https://github.com/tallguyjenks/fla.sh
Features: 
- Supports multiple decks
- Customizable previewers
- Command-line accessible

Use Case 3: Change the Previewer from Default bat to cat

Code:

flash -p cat

Motivation:

The ability to change the previewer is crucial for users who either do not have bat installed or prefer to use cat for its simplicity and ubiquitous availability. This customization ensures that the user interface aligns with the user’s personal preferences and system capabilities, providing flexibility and adaptability in usage.

Explanation:

• The flag -p followed by cat specifies that the flashcards should be displayed using the cat program instead of the default bat. Here, -p indicates the option to set a “previewer.”

Example Output:

Using previewer: cat
Flashcard deck loaded with 'cat'. Start reviewing!

Use Case 4: Display Help

Code:

flash -h

Motivation:

Accessing help is an essential feature for any software. It provides guidance on using different options and commands, especially for beginners or when encountering issues. Displaying help ensures that users can troubleshoot problems independently, learn about available features, and find ways to maximize the tool’s potential.

Explanation:

• The flag -h is a conventional parameter used across many command-line tools to trigger a display of the help manual or usage guide.

Example Output:

Usage: flash [options]
Options:
  -i    Display information about the flashcard system
  -p    Set custom previewer (default is 'bat')
  -h    Display help
  -v    Display version information

Use Case 5: Display Version

Code:

flash -v

Motivation:

Knowing the version of the tool is important for ensuring compatibility and debugging. Users or developers may need to confirm that they are using (or troubleshooting) the correct version of the tool, especially when reporting bugs or ensuring compatibility with certain flashcard formats or features.

Explanation:

• The -v flag is used here to request the version information of the installed flash application. This flag is a standard convention in command-line tools to check version details.

Example Output:

Flash version 1.2.3

Conclusion:

The flash command is an effective tool for those who wish to utilize flashcards within their command-line interface. With its minimal setup and flexible options, users can effortlessly engage in learning sessions, explore system information, customize display settings, and ensure they are running the right version. Each use case explored here enhances the user’s ability to leverage this tool’s potential effectively.