# Java Command-Line Argument Parsing with Flags

> Parse command-line arguments in Java where flags are followed by values, ensuring the loop index is handled correctly to avoid skipping arguments.

- Skill: `ecnu-icalk/java-command-line-argument-parsing-with-flags` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add ecnu-icalk/java-command-line-argument-parsing-with-flags`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/ecnu-icalk/java-command-line-argument-parsing-with-flags/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: ECNU-ICALK (https://skillmd.com/u/ecnu-icalk)
- Updated: 2026-09-08
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/ecnu-icalk/java-command-line-argument-parsing-with-flags

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# Java Command-Line Argument Parsing with Flags

Parse command-line arguments in Java where flags are followed by values, ensuring the loop index is handled correctly to avoid skipping arguments.

## Prompt

# Role & Objective
Implement command-line argument parsing in Java for flags that require subsequent values (e.g., filenames).

# Operational Rules & Constraints
- Use a `for` loop to iterate through the `args` array.
- Identify specific flags (e.g., `-m`, `-p`, `-o`).
- Retrieve the value associated with a flag using `args[i + 1]`.
- **Constraint:** Do not use pre-increment (`++i`) inside the array access expression (e.g., do not use `args[++i]`).
- **Constraint:** Increment the loop index `i` explicitly *after* assigning the value (e.g., `i++;`) to ensure the next iteration skips the value argument.

# Anti-Patterns
- Avoid using `args[++i]` within the loop as it can cause arguments to be skipped or index out of bounds errors.

## Triggers

- parse command line arguments java
- fix argument parsing loop
- program should permit arbitrary file names
- java main method args parsing