GCLI

Summary

GCLI is a Graphical Command Line Interface. Command lines are fast and powerful, but they're also opaque and ugly due to a reliance on technology from the 70's. GCLI wants command lines to be discoverable and beautiful in addition to being fast and powerful. GCLI commands are just JavaScript so it is easy to extend.

GCLI was originally part of the Bespin/Skywriter/Ace project (and was previously known as Cockpit). It is usable in a variety of situations. This project aims to integrate GCLI with the Web Console. The Web Console will be enhanced so that it can run JavaScript either using the current 'pure JavaScript' syntax or the simpler GCLI way of entering commands.

As part of developer tools, GCLI will enable developers to access a wide range of development and diagnosis tools without a cluttered interface. It will help users enter the correct parameters quickly and without reference to manuals.

Current web developer tools like Firebug and the Webkit Inspector have command lines, however they are largely unused for user interaction because they insist on a pure JavaScript syntax.

References

• Wiki page

Use Cases

A Web Console user should be able to change filters or clear the console entirely with the keyboard.

Someone who wants to compare the styles of a set of page elements should be able to run a command to select some elements and then another command to open the Style Inspector, all without reaching for the mouse.

Test Cases

• The test cases for this feature can be viewed here. (tests are still under development, will be updated)
• Automated tests: here

Important Bugs

• Implementation bugs
  • bug 768998 (GCLICMD) [meta] bug for all GCLI command creation

Other Bugs

2 Total; 0 Open (0%); 2 Resolved (100%); 0 Verified (0%);

Not Tested

• TBD

Sign off Criteria

• All the test cases were executed.
• All the major bugs have been fixed.

Sign-offs:

• Pre-beta sign off - 2012-08-24
• Firefox 16 beta 1 signed-off - 2012-08-29