__freading - Linux

Overview

freading is a command-line utility that interprets and processes textual input using predefined rules, often called a grammar. It provides a structured and efficient way to parse complex data formats, extract meaningful information, and transform it into a desired output.

Syntax

__freading [options] [grammar-file] [input-file] [output-file]

Options/Flags

  • -h, –help: Display help and usage information.
  • -v, –verbose: Enable verbose output, providing detailed information during execution.
  • -f, –grammar: Specify an alternate location for the grammar file.
  • -i, –input: Specify an alternate location for the input file.
  • -o, –output: Specify an alternate location for the output file.

Examples

Simple Parsing:

__freading example.grammar input.txt output.json

This command uses the grammar defined in example.grammar to parse the data in input.txt and generates the output as JSON in output.json.

Complex Transformation:

__freading -f complex.grammar input.xml output.csv --verbose

This command uses the complex.grammar for parsing the XML data in input.xml. It generates a comma-separated value (CSV) file as output in output.csv and provides verbose logging during execution.

Common Issues

  • Invalid Grammar: Ensure the specified grammar file is valid and adheres to the correct syntax.
  • Missing Input File: Specify an existing input file as the third argument.
  • Output File Access: Make sure the output file can be created or overwritten in the specified location.

Integration

freading can be integrated into scripts or command chains for advanced data processing tasks, such as:

  • Automated Data Extraction: Parse structured data from various sources and extract specific information.
  • Data Transformation: Convert data from one format to another using custom rules defined in the grammar.
  • Data Validation: Check data integrity based on predefined rules and report any discrepancies.

Related Commands

  • sed: Perform text substitution and editing operations.
  • grep: Search for specific patterns in text.
  • awk: Process text data using programming logic.