easyBackend

What is the node:util parseArgs helper for building CLIs?

Q: What is the node:util parseArgs helper for building CLIs?

**TL;DR.** util.parseArgs parses process.argv into **typed options and positionals** from a declarative options config — covering basic CLI flag parsing **without a dependency** like yargs or commander. It supports booleans, strings, short aliases, and repeated (multiple) values. --port 3000 -v file.txt (raw argv) parseArgs values: {port, v} <text class

222 views

Understand the problem

Parsing command-line flags without a dependency.

nodejscliparseargsutilities

Attempt it yourself

Sketch your approach before reading the solution — that's what interviews test.

Stuck? AI Nudge Available

Get a conceptual hint to guide your logic without spoiling the final implementation.

Study the solution

The solution is waiting

Give it an honest attempt first — then compare your thinking with the full walkthrough.

Read the code

Parse flags with no dependency

import { parseArgs } from 'node:util';

const { values, positionals } = parseArgs({
  allowPositionals: true,
  options: {
    port:    { type: 'string', short: 'p', default: '3000' },
    verbose: { type: 'boolean', short: 'v' },
  },
});
// node cli.js -v -p 8080 file.txt
console.log(values.port, values.verbose, positionals); // 8080 true ['file.txt']

Join the discussion

Discussion (0)

No responses yet. Be the first to share what you think.

What is semantic versioning and how do ^, ~, and exact versions behave?

What is the difference between unit, integration, and end-to-end tests for a Node.js API?