8

This issue came while running a script that requires a yes or no response before proceeding. Does the capitalization of the y and n usually matter?

In this example...

$copy_package some_package
File X is missing...
Do you want to continue ? (y/N)

I, as a user, expect that N is the recommended answer since it's capitalized (and because a file is missing), and y is not recommended since it's lower-case.

Note - This question isn't about what this actually means in regards the code, but whether or not the act of capitalization itself in this manner intentionally acts as a recommendation for which option to take.

| improve this question | |
  • As it stands, this question should better be moved to unix.stackexchange.com – unor Jun 4 '13 at 20:09
  • 2
    I think this belongs on ux.se. The question title relates to a UX issue. I'll amend the wording so that it removes some of the confusion, but as a concept it is 'does capitalizing a letter act as a recommended option'. With scripting you have such a limited UI that there's not much else you can do to give emphasis to elements. – JonW♦ Jun 4 '13 at 21:01
13

Usually the option in capitals is the default. The default will be used if Enter is pressed.

| improve this answer | |
  • I had no idea this was the case. Mysterious are the ways of the command console... – Dvir Adler Jun 3 '13 at 11:18

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.