How to use the command 'idnits' (with examples)

The ‘idnits’ tool is a valuable command-line utility designed primarily for authors and reviewers of Internet-Drafts (I-Ds) within the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) framework. This tool automates the process of identifying common submission errors, deemed “nits,” which must be resolved for a draft to progress successfully. The command scrutinizes I-Ds against specific criteria found in the IETF ID checklist, particularly focusing on sections 2.1 and 2.2. This helps authors ensure their drafts adhere to formal and style guidelines, enhancing the quality and conformity of submissions.

Use case 1: Check a file for nits

Code:

idnits path/to/file.txt

Motivation:

Checking an Internet-Draft for “nits” is an essential step in the process of preparing a document for submission to the IETF. These nits can include formatting errors, incorrect references, and other prohibitions that can hinder the approval process. By running this command, authors can proactively catch and address these issues, improving the likelihood of a smooth review process.

Explanation:

• idnits: Invokes the idnits tool.
• path/to/file.txt: Refers to the path where the Internet-Draft file is located, which needs to be checked.

Example Output:

idnits 2.17.08 

draft-name.txt:
  Checking references...
  Checking nits according to https://www.ietf.org/id-info/checklist...
  ...
  Summary: no issues found.

Use case 2: Count nits without displaying them

Code:

idnits --nitcount path/to/file.txt

Motivation:

In situations where only the number of nits is needed without the full detailed report, such as in automated scripts or batch processing where prompt feedback is preferred over detailed examination, this example provides a streamlined way to understand the document’s nit status.

Explanation:

• idnits: Invites the idnits command tool.
• --nitcount: This flag instructs the command to return only the count of nits, omitting specific detail or location.
• path/to/file.txt: Once again specifies the Internet-Draft document to be analyzed.

Example Output:

Total nits found: 3

Use case 3: Show extra information about offending lines

Code:

idnits --verbose path/to/file.txt

Motivation:

When authors deal with complicated or numerous nits, understanding the precise nature and context of each issue becomes vital. The –verbose option allows users to gain a deeper understanding of the problematic areas in their drafts, furnishing them with the information necessary to make accurate corrections.

Explanation:

• idnits: The command execution initiator.
• --verbose: Engages additional verbosity, giving greater context and detail for each nit discovered within the document.
• path/to/file.txt: Defines the path to the document undergoing scrutiny.

Example Output:

idnits 2.17.08

draft-name.txt:
  ...
  Line 57: [VERBOSE] The date in the document header is not in the correct format: "Septmber" should be "September".
  ...
  Summary: 1 nit found.

Use case 4: Expect the specified year in the boilerplate instead of the current year

Code:

idnits --year 2021 path/to/file.txt

Motivation:

It may be important to verify documents that were drafted in a previous year or to ensure drafts comply with past IETF year-specific requirements. This is particularly relevant during revisions or updates of a document started in an earlier calendar year, aligning it precisely with historical compliance.

Explanation:

• idnits: Triggers the analysis process.
• --year 2021: This parameter sets the expectation for the boilerplate year, overriding the default current year setting.
• path/to/file.txt: Specifies which document should be checked with these conditions.

Example Output:

idnits 2.17.08

draft-name.txt:
  Expecting boilerplate year 2021.
  ...
  Summary: no issues found.

Use case 5: Assume the document is of the specified status

Code:

idnits --doctype standard path/to/file.txt

Motivation:

Not all Internet-Drafts aim for the same approval or publication status; this command use case highlights the importance of aligning document content with a particular intended status. Some documents may need to conform to specific guidelines as either standard, informational, experimental, best current practice (BCP), proposed standard (ps), or draft standard (ds). Correctly defining the type ensures that specialty checks are employed during review.

Explanation:

• idnits: Represents the command line invocation of the tool.
• --doctype standard: This argument sets the expected type of the document, ensuring checks are run with the correct status in mind.
• path/to/file.txt: The document’s location, aiming for status-compliant assessment.

Example Output:

idnits 2.17.08

draft-name.txt:
  Assuming document type: standard
  ...
  Summary: document type conforms to standards selection criteria.

Conclusion:

The ‘idnits’ tool offers a versatile array of functions that assist in the effective preparation and evaluation of Internet-Drafts. Its various options, which allow for detailed feedback, status alignment, or straightforward count of issues, cater to the diverse needs of authors within the IETF submission environment. Embracing these command line functionalities can significantly streamline document preparation, ensuring a higher standard of submission readiness and compliance.