Albatross.CommandLine

A .NET library that simplifies creating command-line applications with System.CommandLine. It provides automatic code generation and dependency injection support while maintaining full access to System.CommandLine's capabilities. The framework is opinionated toward async actions with out-of-the-box support for cancellation and graceful shutdown.

Designed for enterprise CLI applications, Albatross.CommandLine enforces consistent async patterns, built-in dependency injection, and graceful shutdown handling. These opinionated choices reduce complexity and ensure scalability from simple utilities to complex enterprise workflows.

Key Features

  • Minimal Boilerplate - Attribute-based command definition with automatic code generation
  • Dependency Injection - Built-in DI container integration
  • Minimum Dependencies - Only depends on System.CommandLine and Microsoft.Extensions.Hosting.
  • Full Flexibility - Direct access to System.CommandLine when needed
  • Cancellation & Graceful Shutdown - Built-in support for Ctrl+C interruption via cancellation tokens and graceful shutdown handling
  • Reusable Parameter - Create customized Option and Argument classes and use [UseOption<T>] and [UseArgument<T>] attributes to compose them into commands with automatic code generation
  • Advanced Option Handlers - Injectable async option handlers with [OptionHandler] attribute for pre-processing and input transformation patterns. Execute database validation, API calls, or transform simple inputs into complex objects before command execution
  • Easy Extensions - Use CommandHost.ConfigureHost() to bootstrap additional services, or use Albatross.CommandLine.Defaults for pre-configured Serilog logging and JSON/environment configuration support

Language Support

C# Only

Dependencies

  • System.CommandLine 2.0.1+
  • Microsoft.Extensions.Hosting 8.0.1+

Prerequisites

  • C# Compiler 4.10.0+ (included with .NET 8 SDK)

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