Difference between revisions of "Command-Line Options"

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This article is part of the [[Getting Started]] Guide.
 
This article is part of the [[Getting Started]] Guide.
It gives more details on the command-line options of all BaseX [[Startup]] modes.
+
Each BaseX [[Startup]] mode has one or more command-line options, which are described in this article.
  
Options can be specified multiple times. All options are evaluated in the given order (in earlier versions, the sequential evaluation was limited to the specified inputs, query files, queries and commands, while all other options were initially set). The standard input can be parsed by specifying a single dash ({{Code|-}}) as argument.
+
Command-line options can be specified multiple times. Please note that all options will be evaluated in the given order. The standard input can be parsed by specifying a single dash ({{Code|-}}) as an argument.
 +
 
 +
{{Announce|Updated with Version 11}}: The Clark notation was replaced with the [[XQuery 3.0#Expanded QNames|Expanded QNames]] notation.
  
 
=Standalone=
 
=Standalone=
;Launch the console mode:
 
<pre>
 
$ basex
 
BaseX [Standalone]
 
Try "help" to get more information.
 
> _</pre>
 
  
Available command-line flags can be listed with {{Code|-h}}:
+
{{Announce|Added with Version 11:}} {{Code|-C}}, {{Code|-Q}}, {{Code|-W}}
 +
 
 +
The following options are available for the standalone [[Command-Line Client]]:
 +
 
 
<pre>
 
<pre>
 
$ basex -h
 
$ basex -h
 
BaseX [Standalone]
 
BaseX [Standalone]
Usage: basex [-bcdiLoqrRsuvVwxXz] [input]
+
Usage: basex [-bcdiIoqrRstuvVwxz] [input]
   [input]     Execute input file or expression
+
   [input]   XQuery or command file, or query string
   -b<pars>   Bind external query variables
+
   -b<args>   Bind external query variables
   -c<input>   Execute commands from file or string
+
   -c<input> Execute commands from file or string
   -d         Activate debugging mode
+
  -C<file>  Execute command script file
   -i<input>   Open XML file or database
+
   -d         Toggle debugging output
   -I<input>   Assign input string to context
+
   -i<input> Bind file or database to context
   -o<output> Write output to file
+
   -I<input> Bind input string to context
   -q<expr>   Execute XQuery expression
+
   -o<path>   Write output to local file
   -r<num>     Set number of query executions
+
   -q<expr>   Execute XQuery expression
   -R         Turn query execution on/off
+
  -Q<file>  Execute XQuery file
   -s<pars>   Set serialization parameter(s)
+
   -r<num>   Run query multiple times
   -t[path]   Run tests in file or directory
+
   -R         Toggle query execution
   -u         Write updates back to original files
+
   -s<args>   Set serialization parameters
   -v/V       Show (all) process info
+
   -t[path]   Run tests in file or directory
   -w         Preserve whitespaces from input files
+
   -u         Toggle updates in original files
   -x          Show query execution plan
+
   -v         Toggle output of progress info
   -X          Show query plan before/after compilation
+
  -V         Toggle detailed query output
   -z         Skip output of results
+
   -w         Toggle whitespace stripping
 +
   -W        Enable indentation with whitespaces
 +
   -x        Toggle output of query plan
 +
   -z         Toggle output of query result
 
</pre>
 
</pre>
  
The meaning of all flags is listed in the following table. If an equivalent database option exists (which can be specified via the [[Commands#SET|SET]] command), it is listed as well. For the examples to work escaping some characters might be necessary, depending on your Operating System.
+
Further details are listed in the following table. If an equivalent database option exists (which can be specified via the {{Command|SET}} command), it is listed as well.
 +
For the examples to work, it might be necessary to escape some characters depending on your operating system.
  
{| class="wikitable"  
+
{| class="wikitable"
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
! width='120' | Flag
 
! width='120' | Flag
Line 49: Line 52:
 
| {{Code|[input]}}
 
| {{Code|[input]}}
 
|Evaluates the specified input:
 
|Evaluates the specified input:
* The input string may point to an existing file. If the file suffix is {{Code|.bxs}}, the file content will be evaluated as [[Commands#Basics|Command Script]]; otherwise, it will be evaluated as XQuery expression.
+
* The input string may point to an existing file. If the file suffix is {{Code|.bxs}}, the file contents will be executed as [[Commands#Basics|Command Script]]; any other file content will be evaluated as XQuery expression.
 
* Otherwise, the input string itself is evaluated as XQuery expression.
 
* Otherwise, the input string itself is evaluated as XQuery expression.
 
|
 
|
Line 55: Line 58:
 
|• {{Code|"doc('X')//head"}}<br/>• {{Code|query.xq}}<br/>• {{Code|commands.bxs}}<br/>
 
|• {{Code|"doc('X')//head"}}<br/>• {{Code|query.xq}}<br/>• {{Code|commands.bxs}}<br/>
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| {{Code|-b&lt;pars&gt;}}
+
| {{Code|-b&lt;args&gt;}}
| Binds external variables to XQuery expressions. This flag may be specified multiple times. Variables names and their values are delimited by equality signs (<code>=</code>). The names may be optionally prefixed with dollar signs. If a variable uses a namespace different to the default namespace, it can be specified with the [http://www.jclark.com/xml/xmlns.htm Clark Notation].
+
| Binds external variables to XQuery expressions. This flag may be specified multiple times. Variables names and their values are delimited by equality signs (<code>=</code>). The names may be optionally prefixed with dollar signs. If a variable uses a namespace different from the default namespace, it can be specified with the [[XQuery 3.0#Expanded QNames|Expanded QNames]] notation.
| <code>[[Options#BINDINGS|BINDINGS]]</code>
+
| {{Option|BINDINGS}}
 
|
 
|
|• <code>-bv=example "declare variable $v external; $v"</code><br/>• <code>-b{URL}ln=value<br/>"declare namespace ns='URL'; declare variable $ns:ln external; $ns:ln"</code>
+
|• <code>-bv=example "declare variable $v external; $v"</code><br/>• <code>-bQ{URL}ln=value<br/>"declare namespace ns='URL'; declare variable $ns:ln external; $ns:ln"</code>
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-c&lt;input&gt;}}
 
| {{Code|-c&lt;input&gt;}}
| Executes [[Commands]]:
+
| Executes [[commands]]. If the specified input is a valid URI or file reference, this file is evaluated as [[Commands#Command_Scripts|Command Script]].
* Several commands in the input can be separated by semicolons ({{Code|;}}).
+
|
* If the specified input is a valid file reference or URL, its content will be executed instead. Empty lines and lines starting with the number sign {{Code|#}} will be ignored.
+
|
 +
|• {{Code|-c list}}<br/>• {{Code|-ccommands.txt}}<br/>• {{Code|-c"<info/>"}}
 +
|- valign="top"
 +
| {{Code|-C&lt;file&gt;}}
 +
| Evaluates the contents of the specified file as [[Commands#Command_Scripts|Command Script]].
 +
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
|• {{Code|-c"list;info"}}<br/>• {{Code|-ccommands.txt}}<br/>• {{Code|-c"<info/>"}}
 
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-d}}
 
| {{Code|-d}}
 
| Toggles the debugging mode. Debugging information is output to ''standard error''.
 
| Toggles the debugging mode. Debugging information is output to ''standard error''.
| <code>[[Options#DEBUG|DEBUG]]</code>
+
| {{Option|DEBUG}}
 
| <code>false</code>
 
| <code>false</code>
 
|
 
|
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-i&lt;input&gt;}}
 
| {{Code|-i&lt;input&gt;}}
| Opens an XML file or database specified by the argument. The opened input can then be processed by a command or XQuery expression.
+
| Opens the specified XML file, directory with XML files, or database. The opened input can then be processed by a command or XQuery expression.
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
Line 82: Line 89:
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-I&lt;input&gt;}}
 
| {{Code|-I&lt;input&gt;}}
| Assigns an input string as item of type {{Code|xs:untypedAtomic}} to the query context. {{Mark|Introduced with Version 8.1}}
+
| Assigns an input string as item of type {{Code|xs:untypedAtomic}} to the query context.
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
| {{Code|-I "Hello Universe" -q "."}}
 
| {{Code|-I "Hello Universe" -q "."}}
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| {{Code|-o&lt;file&gt;}}
+
| {{Code|-o&lt;path&gt;}}
 
| All command and query output is written to the specified file.
 
| All command and query output is written to the specified file.
 
|
 
|
Line 94: Line 101:
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-q&lt;expr&gt;}}
 
| {{Code|-q&lt;expr&gt;}}
| Executes the specified string as XQuery expression.
+
| Evaluates the specified string as XQuery expression.
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
| {{Code|-q"doc('input')//head"}}
 
| {{Code|-q"doc('input')//head"}}
 +
|- valign="top"
 +
| {{Code|-Q&lt;file&gt;}}
 +
| Evaluates the contents of the specified file as XQuery expression.
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-r&lt;num&gt;}}
 
| {{Code|-r&lt;num&gt;}}
 
| Specifies how often a specified query will be evaluated.
 
| Specifies how often a specified query will be evaluated.
| <code>[[Options#RUNS|RUNS]]</code>
+
| {{Option|RUNS}}
 
| <code>1</code>
 
| <code>1</code>
 
| {{Code|-V -r10 "1"}}
 
| {{Code|-V -r10 "1"}}
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-R}}
 
| {{Code|-R}}
| Specifies if a query will be executed or parsed only.
+
| Specifies if a query will be evaluated or parsed and compiled only.
| <code>[[Options#RUNQUERY|RUNQUERY]]</code>
+
| {{Option|RUNQUERY}}
 
| <code>true</code>
 
| <code>true</code>
 
| {{Code|-V -R "1"}}
 
| {{Code|-V -R "1"}}
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| {{Code|-s&lt;pars&gt;}}
+
| {{Code|-s&lt;args&gt;}}
 
| Specifies parameters for serializing XQuery results; see [[Serialization]] for more details. This flag may be specified multiple times. Key and values are separated by the equality sign (<code>=</code>).
 
| Specifies parameters for serializing XQuery results; see [[Serialization]] for more details. This flag may be specified multiple times. Key and values are separated by the equality sign (<code>=</code>).
| <code>[[Options#SERIALIZER|SERIALIZER]]</code>
+
| {{Option|SERIALIZER}}
 
|
 
|
 
| <code>-smethod=text</code>
 
| <code>-smethod=text</code>
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| {{Code|-t}}
+
| {{Code|-t[path]}}
 
| Runs all [[Unit Module|Unit tests]] in the specified file or directory.
 
| Runs all [[Unit Module|Unit tests]] in the specified file or directory.
|  
+
|
|  
+
|
 
| -t project/tests
 
| -t project/tests
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-u}}
 
| {{Code|-u}}
 
| Propagates updates on input files back to disk.
 
| Propagates updates on input files back to disk.
| <code>[[Options#WRITEBACK|WRITEBACK]]</code>
+
| {{Option|WRITEBACK}}
 
| <code>false</code>
 
| <code>false</code>
 
|
 
|
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-v}}
 
| {{Code|-v}}
| Prints process and timing information to the ''standard output''.
+
| Toggles the output of process and timing information.
 
|
 
|
 
| <code>false</code>
 
| <code>false</code>
Line 137: Line 150:
 
| {{Code|-V}}
 
| {{Code|-V}}
 
| Prints detailed query information to the ''standard output'', including details on the compilation and profiling steps.
 
| Prints detailed query information to the ''standard output'', including details on the compilation and profiling steps.
| <code>[[Options#QUERYINFO|QUERYINFO]]</code>
+
| {{Option|QUERYINFO}}
 
| <code>false</code>
 
| <code>false</code>
 
|
 
|
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-w}}
 
| {{Code|-w}}
| Specifies if whitespaces in XML text nodes should be chopped (which is the default) or preserved.
+
| Toggles whitespace stripping of XML text nodes. By default, whitespaces will be preserved.
| <code>[[Options#CHOP|CHOP]]</code>
+
| {{Option|STRIPWS}}
| <code>true</code>
+
| <code>false</code>
 +
|
 +
|- valign="top"
 +
| {{Code|-W}}
 +
| Enables indentation with whitespace. By default, query results will not be indented.
 +
| {{Option|SERIALIZER}}
 +
| <code>indent=no</code>
 
|
 
|
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-x}}
 
| {{Code|-x}}
| This flags turn on the output of the query execution plan, formatted in [[Options#XMLPLAN|XML]].
+
| Toggles the output of the query execution plan, formatted as XML.
| <code>[[Options#XMLPLAN|XMLPLAN]]</code>
+
| {{Option|XMLPLAN}}
 
| <code>false</code>
 
| <code>false</code>
|
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-X}}
 
| Generates the query plan before or after query compilation. {{Code|-x}} needs to be activated to make the plan visible.
 
| <code>[[Options#COMPPLAN|COMPPLAN]]</code>
 
| <code>true</code>
 
 
|
 
|
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-z}}
 
| {{Code|-z}}
 
| Turns the serialization of XQuery results on/off. This flag is useful if the query is profiled or analyzed.
 
| Turns the serialization of XQuery results on/off. This flag is useful if the query is profiled or analyzed.
| <code>[[Options#SERIALIZE|SERIALIZE]]</code>
+
| {{Option|SERIALIZE}}
 
| <code>true</code>
 
| <code>true</code>
 
|
 
|
 
|}
 
|}
  
=Server=
+
=GUI=
;Launch the server
+
 
 +
The following options are available for the standalone [[GUI|Graphical User Interface]]:
 +
 
 
<pre>
 
<pre>
$ basexserver
+
$ basexgui -h
BaseX [Server]
+
BaseX [GUI]
Server was started (port: 1984)
+
Usage: basexgui [-d] [files]
 +
  [files]  Open specified files
 +
  -d  Enable debugging
 
</pre>
 
</pre>
  
Available command-line flags can be listed with {{Code|-h}}:
+
You can pass one or more files as parameters. If an XML document is specified, a database instance can be created from this file. Other files are opened in the editor.
 +
 
 +
=Server=
 +
 
 +
{{Announce|Added with Version 11:}} {{Code|-C}}
 +
 
 +
The following options are available for the [[Database Server]]:
 +
 
 
<pre>
 
<pre>
 
$ basexserver -h
 
$ basexserver -h
 
BaseX [Server]
 
BaseX [Server]
Usage: basexserver [-cdeinpSz] [stop]
+
Usage: basexserver [-cdnpSz] [stop]
   stop     Stop running server
+
   stop       Stop running server
   -c<cmds>  Execute initial database commands
+
   -c<input>  Execute commands from file or string
   -d        Activate debugging mode
+
   -C<file>  Execute command script file
   -e<port>  Set event port
+
   -d        Enable debugging output
   -n<name> Set host the server is bound to
+
   -n<name>   Set host the server is bound to
   -p<port> Set server port
+
   -p<port>   Set server port
   -S       Start as service
+
   -S         Start as service
   -z       Suppress logging
+
   -z         Suppress logging
 
</pre>
 
</pre>
  
The flags have the following meaning (equivalent database options are shown in the table as well).
+
Details on all options are listed in the following table (equivalent database options are shown in the table as well).
For the examples to work escaping some characters might be necessary, depending on your Operating System.
+
For the examples to work, it might be necessary to escape some characters depending on your operating system.
  
{| class="wikitable"  
+
{| class="wikitable"
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
! width='120' | Flag
 
! width='120' | Flag
Line 201: Line 225:
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|stop}}
 
| {{Code|stop}}
| Stops an existing server instance and quits.
+
| Stops a local database server instance and quits.
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| {{Code|-c&lt;cmd&gt;}}
+
| {{Code|-c&lt;input&gt;}}
| Launches database commands before the server itself is started. Several commands can be separated by semicolons ({{Code|;}}).
+
| Executes [[commands]]. If the specified input is a valid URI or file reference, this file is evaluated as [[Commands#Command_Scripts|Command Script]].
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
| {{Code|-c"open database;info"}}
 
| {{Code|-c"open database;info"}}
 +
|- valign="top"
 +
| {{Code|-C&lt;file&gt;}}
 +
| Evaluates the contents of the specified file as [[Commands#Command_Scripts|Command Script]].
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-d}}
 
| {{Code|-d}}
| Turns on the debugging mode. Debugging information is output to ''standard error''.
+
| Enables debugging output. Debugging information is output to ''standard error''.
| <code>[[Options#DEBUG|DEBUG]]</code>
+
| {{Option|DEBUG}}
 
| <code>false</code>
 
| <code>false</code>
 
|
 
|
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-e&lt;num&gt;}}
 
| Specifies the port on which the server will send events to clients.
 
| <code>[[Options#EVENTPORT|EVENTPORT]]</code>
 
| {{Code|1985}}
 
| {{Code|-e9998}}
 
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-n&lt;name&gt;}}
 
| {{Code|-n&lt;name&gt;}}
 
| Specifies the host the server will be bound to.
 
| Specifies the host the server will be bound to.
| <code>[[Options#SERVERHOST|SERVERHOST]]</code>
+
| {{Option|SERVERHOST}}
 
|
 
|
 
| {{Code|-p127.0.0.1}}
 
| {{Code|-p127.0.0.1}}
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| {{Code|-p&lt;num&gt;}}
+
| {{Code|-p&lt;port&gt;}}
 
| Specifies the port on which the server will be addressable.
 
| Specifies the port on which the server will be addressable.
| <code>[[Options#SERVERPORT|SERVERPORT]]</code>
+
| {{Option|SERVERPORT}}
 
| {{Code|1984}}
 
| {{Code|1984}}
 
| {{Code|-p9999}}
 
| {{Code|-p9999}}
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-S}}
 
| {{Code|-S}}
| Starts the server as service (i.e., in the background).
+
| Starts the server as service (i.e., in the background). Use [[YAJSW]], or start BaseX as an ordinary background process to get more options.
 +
|
 
|
 
|
|
 
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-z}}
 
| {{Code|-z}}
| Does not generate any [[Logging|log files]].
+
| Prevents the generation of [[Logging|log files]].
| <code>[[Options#LOG|LOG]]</code>
+
| {{Option|LOG}}
 
| <code>true</code>
 
| <code>true</code>
|  
+
|
 
|}
 
|}
  
Line 251: Line 275:
 
=Client=
 
=Client=
  
;Launch the console mode communicating with the server
+
{{Announce|Added with Version 11:}} {{Code|-C}}, {{Code|-Q}}, {{Code|-W}}
  
The user name and password will be requested. The default user/password combination is '''admin'''/'''admin''':
+
If the [[Database Server|Database Client]] is launched, you will be requested for a username and password.
<pre>
 
$ basexclient
 
Username: admin
 
Password: *****
 
BaseX [Client]
 
Try "help" to get more information.
 
&gt; _
 
</pre>
 
  
Available command-line flags can be listed with {{Code|-h}}:
 
 
<pre>
 
<pre>
 
$ basexclient -h
 
$ basexclient -h
 
BaseX [Client]
 
BaseX [Client]
Usage: basexclient [-bcdiLnopPqrRsUvVwxXz] [input]
+
Usage: basexclient [-bcdiInopPqrRsUvVwxz] [input]
   [input]     Execute input file or expression
+
   [input]   XQuery or command file, or query string
   -b<pars>   Bind external query variables
+
   -b<args>   Bind external query variables
   -c<input>   Execute commands from file or string
+
   -c<input> Execute commands from file or string
   -d         Activate debugging mode
+
  -C<file>  Execute command script file
   -i<input>   Open XML file or database
+
   -d         Toggle debugging output
   -I<input>   Assign input string to context
+
   -i<input> Bind file or database to context
   -n<name>   Set server (host) name
+
   -I<input> Bind input string to context
   -o<output> Write output to file
+
   -n<name>   Set server (host) name
   -p<port>   Set server port
+
   -o<path>   Write output to local file
   -P<pass>   Specify user password
+
   -p<port>   Set server port
   -q<expr>   Execute XQuery expression
+
   -P<pass>   Specify user password
   -r<num>     Set number of query executions
+
   -q<expr>   Execute XQuery expression
   -R         Turn query execution on/off
+
  -Q<file>  Execute XQuery file
   -s<pars>   Set serialization parameter(s)
+
   -r<num>   Run query multiple times
   -U<name>   Specify user name
+
   -R         Toggle query execution
   -v/V       Show (all) process info
+
   -s<args>   Set serialization parameters
   -w         Preserve whitespaces from input files
+
   -U<name>   Specify username
   -x          Show query execution plan
+
   -v         Toggle output of progress info
   -X          Show query plan before/after compilation
+
  -V         Toggle detailed query output
   -z         Skip output of results
+
   -w         Toggle whitespace stripping
 +
   -W        Enable indentation with whitespaces
 +
   -x        Toggle output of query plan
 +
   -z         Toggle output of query result
 
</pre>
 
</pre>
  
The flags have the following meaning (equivalent database options are shown in the table as well).
+
See the following table for details (equivalent database options are shown in the table as well).
For the examples to work escaping some characters might be necessary, depending on your Operating System.
+
For the examples to work, it might be necessary to escape some characters, depending on your operating system.
  
{| class="wikitable"  
+
{| class="wikitable"
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
! width='120' | Flag
 
! width='120' | Flag
Line 303: Line 321:
 
| {{Code|[input]}}
 
| {{Code|[input]}}
 
|Evaluates the specified input:
 
|Evaluates the specified input:
* The input string may point to an existing file. If the file suffix is {{Code|.bxs}}, the file content will be evaluated as [[Commands#Basics|Command Script]]; otherwise, it will be evaluated as XQuery expression.
+
* The input string may point to an existing file. If the file suffix is {{Code|.bxs}}, the file contents will be evaluated as [[Commands#Basics|Command Script]]; any other file content will be evaluated as XQuery expression.
 
* Otherwise, the input string itself is evaluated as XQuery expression.
 
* Otherwise, the input string itself is evaluated as XQuery expression.
 
|
 
|
Line 309: Line 327:
 
|• {{Code|"doc('X')//head"}}<br/>• {{Code|query.xq}}<br/>• {{Code|commands.bxs}}<br/>
 
|• {{Code|"doc('X')//head"}}<br/>• {{Code|query.xq}}<br/>• {{Code|commands.bxs}}<br/>
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| {{Code|-b&lt;pars&gt;}}
+
| {{Code|-b&lt;args&gt;}}
| Binds external variables to XQuery expressions. This flag may be specified multiple times. Variables names and their values are delimited by equality signs (<code>=</code>). The names may be optionally prefixed with dollar signs. If a variable uses a namespace different to the default namespace, it can be specified with the [http://www.jclark.com/xml/xmlns.htm Clark Notation] or [http://www.w3.org/TR/xquery-30/#id-basics Expanded QName Notation].
+
| Binds external variables to XQuery expressions. This flag may be specified multiple times. Variables names and their values are delimited by equality signs (<code>=</code>). The names may be optionally prefixed with dollar signs. If a variable uses a namespace different from the default namespace, it can be specified with the [[XQuery 3.0#Expanded QNames|Expanded QNames]] notation.
| <code>[[Options#BINDINGS|BINDINGS]]</code>
+
| {{Option|BINDINGS}}
 
|
 
|
|• <code>-b$v=example "declare variable $v external; $v"</code><br/>• <code>-b{URL}ln=value<br/>"declare namespace ns='URL'; declare variable $ns:ln external; $ns:ln"</code>
+
|• <code>-b$v=example "declare variable $v external; $v"</code><br/>• <code>-bQ{URL}ln=value<br/>"declare namespace ns='URL'; declare variable $ns:ln external; $ns:ln"</code>
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-c&lt;input&gt;}}
 
| {{Code|-c&lt;input&gt;}}
| Executes [[Commands]]:
+
| Executes [[commands]]. If the specified input is a valid URI or file reference, its content will be executed instead. Empty lines and lines starting with the number sign {{Code|#}} will be ignored.
* Several commands in the input can be separated by semicolons ({{Code|;}}).
+
|
* If the specified input is a valid file reference or URL, its content will be executed instead. Empty lines and lines starting with the number sign {{Code|#}} will be ignored.
+
|
 +
|• {{Code|-c list}}<br/>• {{Code|-ccommands.txt}}<br/>• {{Code|-c"<info/>"}}
 +
|- valign="top"
 +
| {{Code|-C&lt;file&gt;}}
 +
| Evaluates the contents of the specified file as [[Commands#Command_Scripts|Command Script]].
 +
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
|• {{Code|-c"list;info"}}<br/>• {{Code|-ccommands.txt}}<br/>• {{Code|-c"<info/>"}}
 
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-d}}
 
| {{Code|-d}}
 
| Toggles the debugging mode. Debugging information is output to ''standard error''.
 
| Toggles the debugging mode. Debugging information is output to ''standard error''.
| <code>[[Options#DEBUG|DEBUG]]</code>
+
| {{Option|DEBUG}}
 
| <code>false</code>
 
| <code>false</code>
 
|
 
|
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-i&lt;input&gt;}}
 
| {{Code|-i&lt;input&gt;}}
| Opens an XML file or database specified by the argument. The opened input can then be processed by a command or XQuery expression.
+
| Opens the specified XML file, directory with XML files, or database. The opened input can then be processed by a command or XQuery expression.
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
Line 336: Line 358:
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-I&lt;input&gt;}}
 
| {{Code|-I&lt;input&gt;}}
| Assigns an input string as item of type {{Code|xs:untypedAtomic}} to the query context. {{Mark|Introduced with Version 8.1}}
+
| Assigns an input string as item of type {{Code|xs:untypedAtomic}} to the query context.
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
Line 343: Line 365:
 
| {{Code|-n&lt;name&gt;}}
 
| {{Code|-n&lt;name&gt;}}
 
| Specifies the host name on which the server is running.
 
| Specifies the host name on which the server is running.
| <code>[[Options#HOST|HOST]]</code>
+
| {{Option|HOST}}
 
| {{Code|localhost}}
 
| {{Code|localhost}}
 
| {{Code|-nserver.basex.org}}
 
| {{Code|-nserver.basex.org}}
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| {{Code|-o&lt;file&gt;}}
+
| {{Code|-o&lt;path&gt;}}
 
| All command and query output is written to the specified file.
 
| All command and query output is written to the specified file.
 
|
 
|
Line 353: Line 375:
 
|
 
|
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| {{Code|-p&lt;num&gt;}}
+
| {{Code|-p&lt;port&gt;}}
 
| Specifies the port on which the server is running.
 
| Specifies the port on which the server is running.
| <code>[[Options#PORT|PORT]]</code>
+
| {{Option|PORT}}
 
| {{Code|1984}}
 
| {{Code|1984}}
 
| {{Code|-p9999}}
 
| {{Code|-p9999}}
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-P&lt;pass&gt;}}
 
| {{Code|-P&lt;pass&gt;}}
| Specifies the user password. If this flag is omitted, the password will be requested on command line. ''Warning'': when the password is specified with this flag, it may get visible to others.
+
| Specifies the user password. If this flag is omitted, the password will be requested on command line. ''Warning'': When the password is supplied with this flag, it may end up in logs or the bash history.
| <code>[[Options#PASSWORD|PASSWORD]]</code>
+
| {{Option|PASSWORD}}
 
|
 
|
| {{Code|-Uadmin -Padmin}}
+
| {{Code|-Uadmin -P...}}
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-q&lt;expr&gt;}}
 
| {{Code|-q&lt;expr&gt;}}
 
| Executes the specified string as XQuery expression.
 
| Executes the specified string as XQuery expression.
 
|
 
|
| {{Code|-q"doc('input')//head"}}
+
| {{Code|-q"1+2"}}
 +
|- valign="top"
 +
| {{Code|-Q&lt;file&gt;}}
 +
| Evaluates the contents of the specified file as XQuery expression.
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-r&lt;num&gt;}}
 
| {{Code|-r&lt;num&gt;}}
 
| Specifies how often a specified query will be evaluated.
 
| Specifies how often a specified query will be evaluated.
| <code>[[Options#RUNS|RUNS]]</code>
+
| {{Option|RUNS}}
 
| <code>1</code>
 
| <code>1</code>
 
| {{Code|-V -r10 "1"}}
 
| {{Code|-V -r10 "1"}}
Line 378: Line 406:
 
| {{Code|-R}}
 
| {{Code|-R}}
 
| Specifies if a query will be executed or parsed only.
 
| Specifies if a query will be executed or parsed only.
| <code>[[Options#RUNQUERY|RUNQUERY]]</code>
+
| {{Option|RUNQUERY}}
 
| <code>true</code>
 
| <code>true</code>
 
| {{Code|-V -R "1"}}
 
| {{Code|-V -R "1"}}
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| {{Code|-s&lt;pars&gt;}}
+
| {{Code|-s&lt;args&gt;}}
 
| Specifies parameters for serializing XQuery results; see [[Serialization]] for more details. This flag may be specified multiple times. Key and values are separated by the equality sign (<code>=</code>).
 
| Specifies parameters for serializing XQuery results; see [[Serialization]] for more details. This flag may be specified multiple times. Key and values are separated by the equality sign (<code>=</code>).
| <code>[[Options#SERIALIZER|SERIALIZER]]</code>
+
| {{Option|SERIALIZER}}
 
|
 
|
 
| <code>-smethod=text</code>
 
| <code>-smethod=text</code>
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-U&lt;name&gt;}}
 
| {{Code|-U&lt;name&gt;}}
| Specifies the user name. If this flag is omitted, the user name will be requested on command line.  
+
| Specifies the username. If this flag is omitted, the username will be requested on command line.
| <code>[[Options#USER|USER]]</code>
+
| {{Option|USER}}
 
|
 
|
 
| {{Code|-Uadmin}}
 
| {{Code|-Uadmin}}
Line 402: Line 430:
 
| {{Code|-V}}
 
| {{Code|-V}}
 
| Prints detailed query information to the ''standard output'', including details on the compilation and profiling steps.
 
| Prints detailed query information to the ''standard output'', including details on the compilation and profiling steps.
| <code>[[Options#QUERYINFO|QUERYINFO]]</code>
+
| {{Option|QUERYINFO}}
 
| <code>false</code>
 
| <code>false</code>
 
|
 
|
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-w}}
 
| {{Code|-w}}
| Specifies if whitespaces in XML text nodes should be chopped (which is the default) or preserved.
+
| Toggles whitespace stripping of XML text nodes. By default, whitespaces will be preserved.
| <code>[[Options#CHOP|CHOP]]</code>
+
| {{Option|STRIPWS}}
| <code>chop</code>
+
| <code>false</code>
 +
|
 +
|- valign="top"
 +
| {{Code|-W}}
 +
| Enables indentation with whitespace. By default, query results will not be indented.
 +
| {{Option|SERIALIZER}}
 +
| <code>indent=no</code>
 
|
 
|
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-x}}
 
| {{Code|-x}}
| This flags turn on the output of the query execution plan, formatted in [[Options#XMLPLAN|XML]].
+
| Toggles the output of the query execution plan, formatted as XML.
| <code>[[Options#XMLPLAN|XMLPLAN]]</code>
+
| {{Option|XMLPLAN}}
 
| <code>false</code>
 
| <code>false</code>
|
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-X}}
 
| Generates the query plan before or after query compilation. {{Code|-x}} needs to be activated to make the plan visible.
 
| <code>[[Options#COMPPLAN|COMPPLAN]]</code>
 
| <code>after</code>
 
 
|
 
|
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-z}}
 
| {{Code|-z}}
 
| Turns the serialization of XQuery results on/off. This flag is useful if the query is profiled or analyzed.
 
| Turns the serialization of XQuery results on/off. This flag is useful if the query is profiled or analyzed.
| <code>[[Options#SERIALIZE|SERIALIZE]]</code>
+
| {{Option|SERIALIZE}}
 
| <code>true</code>
 
| <code>true</code>
 
|
 
|
Line 433: Line 461:
 
=HTTP Server=
 
=HTTP Server=
  
;Launch the HTTP server:
+
{{Announce|Added with Version 11:}} {{Code|-C}}
<pre>
+
 
$ basexhttp
+
The following options are available for the [[Web Application|HTTP Server]]:
BaseX [Server]
 
Server was started (port: 1984)
 
HTTP Server was started (port: 8984)
 
</pre>
 
  
Available command-line flags can be listed with {{Code|-h}}:
 
 
<pre>
 
<pre>
 
$ basexhttp -h
 
$ basexhttp -h
 
BaseX [HTTP]
 
BaseX [HTTP]
Usage: basexhttp [-dehlnpPRUWz] [stop]
+
Usage: basexhttp [-cdhlnpsSUz] [stop]
   stop     Stop running server
+
   stop       Stop running server
   -d       Activate debugging mode
+
  -c<input>  Execute commands from file or string
   -e<port>  Set event port
+
  -C<file>  Execute command script file
   -h<port> Set port of HTTP server
+
   -d         Enable debugging output
   -l       Start in local mode
+
   -g        Enable GZIP support
   -n<name> Set host name of database server
+
   -h<port>   Set port of HTTP server
   -p<port> Set port of database server
+
   -l         Start in local mode
  -P<pass>  Specify user password
+
   -n<name>   Set host name of database server
   -s<port> Specify port to stop HTTP server
+
   -p<port>   Set port of database server
   -S       Start as service
+
   -s<port>   Specify port to stop HTTP server
   -U<name> Specify user name
+
   -S         Start as service
   -z       Suppress logging
+
   -U<name>   Specify username
 +
   -z         Suppress logging
 
</pre>
 
</pre>
  
The flags have the following meaning (equivalent database options are shown in the table as well).
+
The meaning of all options is listed in the following table (equivalent database options are shown in the table as well).
For the examples to work escaping some characters might be necessary, depending on your Operating System.
+
For the examples to work, it might be necessary to escape some characters depending on your Operating System.
  
{| class="wikitable"  
+
{| class="wikitable"
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
! width='120' | Flag
 
! width='120' | Flag
Line 472: Line 496:
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|stop}}
 
| {{Code|stop}}
| Stops a running HTTP server. By default, the database server will be stopped as well, unless {{Code|-l}} has been specified.
+
| Stops a local HTTP server and quits. The database server will be stopped as well, unless {{Code|-l}} is specified.
 
| <code>pom.xml</code>
 
| <code>pom.xml</code>
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| {{Code|-d}}
+
| {{Code|-c&lt;input&gt;}}
| Turns on the debugging mode. Debugging information is output to ''standard error''.
+
| Executes [[commands]]. If the specified input is a valid URI or file reference, this file is evaluated as [[Commands#Command_Scripts|Command Script]].
| <code>[[Options#DEBUG|DEBUG]]</code>
+
|
 +
|
 +
| {{Code|-c"open database"}}
 +
|- valign="top"
 +
| {{Code|-C&lt;file&gt;}}
 +
| Evaluates the contents of the specified file as [[Commands#Command_Scripts|Command Script]].
 +
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| {{Code|-e&lt;num&gt;}}
+
| {{Code|-e}}
| Specifies the port on which the server will send events to clients.
+
| Enables debugging output. Debugging information is output to ''standard error''.
| <code>[[Options#EVENTPORT|EVENTPORT]]</code>
+
| {{Option|DEBUG}}
| {{Code|1985}}
+
|
| {{Code|-e9998}}
+
|
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| {{Code|-h&lt;num&gt;}}
+
| {{Code|-g}}
 +
| Enables GZIP support in Jetty.
 +
| {{Option|GZIP}}
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|- valign="top"
 +
| {{Code|-h&lt;port&gt;}}
 
| Specifies the port on which the HTTP server will be addressable.
 
| Specifies the port on which the HTTP server will be addressable.
 
| <code>jetty.xml</code>
 
| <code>jetty.xml</code>
| {{Code|8984}}
+
| {{Code|8080}}
 
| {{Code|-h9999}}
 
| {{Code|-h9999}}
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-l}}
 
| {{Code|-l}}
 
| Starts the server in ''local mode'', and executes all commands in the embedded database context.
 
| Starts the server in ''local mode'', and executes all commands in the embedded database context.
| <code>[[Options#HTTPLOCAL|HTTPLOCAL]]</code>
+
| {{Option|HTTPLOCAL}}
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
Line 503: Line 539:
 
| {{Code|-n&lt;name&gt;}}
 
| {{Code|-n&lt;name&gt;}}
 
| Specifies the host name on which the server is running.
 
| Specifies the host name on which the server is running.
| <code>[[Options#HOST|HOST]]</code>
+
| {{Option|HOST}}
 
| {{Code|localhost}}
 
| {{Code|localhost}}
 
| {{Code|-nserver.basex.org}}
 
| {{Code|-nserver.basex.org}}
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| {{Code|-p&lt;num&gt;}}
+
| {{Code|-p&lt;port&gt;}}
 
| Specifies the port on which the database server will be addressable.
 
| Specifies the port on which the database server will be addressable.
| <code>[[Options#SERVERPORT|SERVERPORT]]</code>
+
| {{Option|SERVERPORT}}
 
| {{Code|1984}}
 
| {{Code|1984}}
 
| {{Code|-p9998}}
 
| {{Code|-p9998}}
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| {{Code|-P&lt;pass&gt;}}
+
| {{Code|-s&lt;port&gt;}}
| Specifies a user password, which will be used by the HTTP services to open a new session. If this flag is omitted, and if {{Code|-U}} was specified, the password will be requested on command line. ''Warning'': when the password is specified with this flag, it may get visible to others.
+
| Specifies the port that will be used to stop the HTTP server.
| <code>[[Options#PASSWORD|PASSWORD]]</code>
+
| {{Option|STOPPORT}} or<br/><code>pom.xml</code>
 +
| <code>8081</code>
 
|
 
|
| {{Code|-Uadmin -Padmin}}
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-s&lt;num&gt;}}
 
| Specifies the port that will be used to stop the HTTP server.
 
| <code>[[Options#STOPPORT|STOPPORT]]</code> or<br/><code>pom.xml</code>
 
| <code>8985</code>
 
|
 
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-S}}
 
| {{Code|-S}}
| Starts the server as service (i.e., in the background).
+
| Starts the server as service (i.e., in the background). Use [[YAJSW]], or start BaseX as an ordinary background process to get more options.
 +
|
 
|
 
|
|
 
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-U&lt;name&gt;}}
 
| {{Code|-U&lt;name&gt;}}
| Specifies a user name, which will be used by the HTTP services for opening a new session.
+
| Specifies a username, which will be used by the HTTP services for opening a new session.
| <code>[[Options#USER|USER]]</code>
+
| {{Option|USER}}
 
|
 
|
 
| {{Code|-Uadmin}}
 
| {{Code|-Uadmin}}
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
 
| {{Code|-z}}
 
| {{Code|-z}}
| Does not generate any [[Logging|log files]].
+
| Prevents the generation of [[Logging|log files]].
| <code>[[Options#LOG|LOG]]</code>
+
| {{Option|LOG}}
|  
+
|
 
|}
 
|}
  
=GUI=
+
=Changelog=
;Launch the GUI:
 
<pre>
 
$ basexgui [file]
 
</pre>
 
  
One or more XML and XQuery files can be passed on as parameters. If an XML file is specified, a database instance is created from this file, or an existing database is opened. XQuery files are opened in the XQuery editor.
+
;Version 11.0
 +
* Added: {{Code|-C}} (standalone, server, client, HTTP server).
 +
* Added: {{Code|-Q}}, {{Code|-W}} (standalone, client).
 +
* Updated: The Clark notation was replaced with the [[XQuery 3.0#Expanded QNames|Expanded QNames]] notation.
  
=Changelog=
+
;Version 10.0
 +
* Updated: Whitespaces are now preserved by default (see {{Option|STRIPWS}} for more details).
  
;Version 8.1
+
;Version 9.0
 +
* Added: BaseXHTTP, command-line option {{Code|-c}}.
 +
* Updated: BaseXHTTP, command-line option {{Code|-c}}, additionally accepts valid URLs and file references.
  
* Added: Bind input strings to the query context with {{Code|-I}}.
+
;Version 8.2
 +
* Removed: Event ports, {{Code|-e}}.
  
 
;Version 8.1
 
;Version 8.1
 +
* Added: Bind input strings to the query context with {{Code|-I}}.
  
 +
;Version 8.0
 
* Removed: Command-line option <code>-L</code> (results will now be automatically separated by newlines).
 
* Removed: Command-line option <code>-L</code> (results will now be automatically separated by newlines).
  
 
;Version 7.9
 
;Version 7.9
 
 
* Added: Runs tests in file or directory with {{Code|-t}}.
 
* Added: Runs tests in file or directory with {{Code|-t}}.
 
* Removed: interactive server mode.
 
* Removed: interactive server mode.
  
 
;Version 7.8
 
;Version 7.8
 
 
* Added: Specify if a query will be executed or parsed only with {{Code|-R}}.
 
* Added: Specify if a query will be executed or parsed only with {{Code|-R}}.
  
 
;Version 7.7
 
;Version 7.7
 
 
* Added: Bind host to the [[#BaseX Server|BaseX Server]] with {{Code|-n}}.
 
* Added: Bind host to the [[#BaseX Server|BaseX Server]] with {{Code|-n}}.
  
 
;Version 7.5
 
;Version 7.5
 
 
* Added: detection of [[Commands#Basics|Command Scripts]].
 
* Added: detection of [[Commands#Basics|Command Scripts]].
 
* Removed: HTTP server flags {{Code|-R}}, {{Code|-W}}, and {{Code|-X}}.
 
* Removed: HTTP server flags {{Code|-R}}, {{Code|-W}}, and {{Code|-X}}.
  
 
; Version 7.3:
 
; Version 7.3:
 
 
* Updated: all options are now evaluated in the given order.
 
* Updated: all options are now evaluated in the given order.
 
* Updated: Create main-memory representations for specified sources with {{Code|-i}}.
 
* Updated: Create main-memory representations for specified sources with {{Code|-i}}.
Line 586: Line 616:
  
 
; Version 7.2:
 
; Version 7.2:
 
 
* Added: RESTXQ Service
 
* Added: RESTXQ Service
  
 
; Version 7.1.1:
 
; Version 7.1.1:
 
 
* Added: Options {{Code|-C}} and {{Code|-L}} in standalone and client mode.
 
* Added: Options {{Code|-C}} and {{Code|-L}} in standalone and client mode.
  
 
; Version 7.1:
 
; Version 7.1:
 
 
* Updated: Multiple query files and {{Code|-c}}/{{Code|-i}}/{{Code|-q}} flags can be specified.
 
* Updated: Multiple query files and {{Code|-c}}/{{Code|-i}}/{{Code|-q}} flags can be specified.
 
[[Category:Beginner]]
 

Latest revision as of 23:39, 20 January 2024

This article is part of the Getting Started Guide. Each BaseX Startup mode has one or more command-line options, which are described in this article.

Command-line options can be specified multiple times. Please note that all options will be evaluated in the given order. The standard input can be parsed by specifying a single dash (-) as an argument.

Updated with Version 11: The Clark notation was replaced with the Expanded QNames notation.

Standalone[edit]

Added with Version 11: -C, -Q, -W

The following options are available for the standalone Command-Line Client:

$ basex -h
BaseX [Standalone]
Usage: basex [-bcdiIoqrRstuvVwxz] [input]
  [input]    XQuery or command file, or query string
  -b<args>   Bind external query variables
  -c<input>  Execute commands from file or string
  -C<file>   Execute command script file
  -d         Toggle debugging output
  -i<input>  Bind file or database to context
  -I<input>  Bind input string to context
  -o<path>   Write output to local file
  -q<expr>   Execute XQuery expression
  -Q<file>   Execute XQuery file
  -r<num>    Run query multiple times
  -R         Toggle query execution
  -s<args>   Set serialization parameters
  -t[path]   Run tests in file or directory
  -u         Toggle updates in original files
  -v         Toggle output of progress info
  -V         Toggle detailed query output
  -w         Toggle whitespace stripping
  -W         Enable indentation with whitespaces
  -x         Toggle output of query plan
  -z         Toggle output of query result

Further details are listed in the following table. If an equivalent database option exists (which can be specified via the SET command), it is listed as well. For the examples to work, it might be necessary to escape some characters depending on your operating system.

Flag Description Option Default Examples
[input] Evaluates the specified input:
  • The input string may point to an existing file. If the file suffix is .bxs, the file contents will be executed as Command Script; any other file content will be evaluated as XQuery expression.
  • Otherwise, the input string itself is evaluated as XQuery expression.
"doc('X')//head"
query.xq
commands.bxs
-b<args> Binds external variables to XQuery expressions. This flag may be specified multiple times. Variables names and their values are delimited by equality signs (=). The names may be optionally prefixed with dollar signs. If a variable uses a namespace different from the default namespace, it can be specified with the Expanded QNames notation. BINDINGS -bv=example "declare variable $v external; $v"
-bQ{URL}ln=value
"declare namespace ns='URL'; declare variable $ns:ln external; $ns:ln"
-c<input> Executes commands. If the specified input is a valid URI or file reference, this file is evaluated as Command Script. -c list
-ccommands.txt
-c"<info/>"
-C<file> Evaluates the contents of the specified file as Command Script.
-d Toggles the debugging mode. Debugging information is output to standard error. DEBUG false
-i<input> Opens the specified XML file, directory with XML files, or database. The opened input can then be processed by a command or XQuery expression. -iitems.xml "//item"
-I<input> Assigns an input string as item of type xs:untypedAtomic to the query context. -I "Hello Universe" -q "."
-o<path> All command and query output is written to the specified file. -o output.txt
-q<expr> Evaluates the specified string as XQuery expression. -q"doc('input')//head"
-Q<file> Evaluates the contents of the specified file as XQuery expression.
-r<num> Specifies how often a specified query will be evaluated. RUNS 1 -V -r10 "1"
-R Specifies if a query will be evaluated or parsed and compiled only. RUNQUERY true -V -R "1"
-s<args> Specifies parameters for serializing XQuery results; see Serialization for more details. This flag may be specified multiple times. Key and values are separated by the equality sign (=). SERIALIZER -smethod=text
-t[path] Runs all Unit tests in the specified file or directory. -t project/tests
-u Propagates updates on input files back to disk. WRITEBACK false
-v Toggles the output of process and timing information. false
-V Prints detailed query information to the standard output, including details on the compilation and profiling steps. QUERYINFO false
-w Toggles whitespace stripping of XML text nodes. By default, whitespaces will be preserved. STRIPWS false
-W Enables indentation with whitespace. By default, query results will not be indented. SERIALIZER indent=no
-x Toggles the output of the query execution plan, formatted as XML. XMLPLAN false
-z Turns the serialization of XQuery results on/off. This flag is useful if the query is profiled or analyzed. SERIALIZE true

GUI[edit]

The following options are available for the standalone Graphical User Interface:

$ basexgui -h
BaseX [GUI]
Usage: basexgui [-d] [files]
  [files]  Open specified files
  -d  Enable debugging

You can pass one or more files as parameters. If an XML document is specified, a database instance can be created from this file. Other files are opened in the editor.

Server[edit]

Added with Version 11: -C

The following options are available for the Database Server:

$ basexserver -h
BaseX [Server]
Usage: basexserver [-cdnpSz] [stop]
  stop       Stop running server
  -c<input>  Execute commands from file or string
  -C<file>   Execute command script file
  -d         Enable debugging output
  -n<name>   Set host the server is bound to
  -p<port>   Set server port
  -S         Start as service
  -z         Suppress logging

Details on all options are listed in the following table (equivalent database options are shown in the table as well). For the examples to work, it might be necessary to escape some characters depending on your operating system.

Flag Description Option Default Examples
stop Stops a local database server instance and quits.
-c<input> Executes commands. If the specified input is a valid URI or file reference, this file is evaluated as Command Script. -c"open database;info"
-C<file> Evaluates the contents of the specified file as Command Script.
-d Enables debugging output. Debugging information is output to standard error. DEBUG false
-n<name> Specifies the host the server will be bound to. SERVERHOST -p127.0.0.1
-p<port> Specifies the port on which the server will be addressable. SERVERPORT 1984 -p9999
-S Starts the server as service (i.e., in the background). Use YAJSW, or start BaseX as an ordinary background process to get more options.
-z Prevents the generation of log files. LOG true

Multiple -c and -i flags can be specified. All other options will be set before any other operation takes place. The specified inputs, query files, queries and commands will be subsequently evaluated after that in the given order. The standard input can be parsed by specifying a single dash (-) as argument.

Client[edit]

Added with Version 11: -C, -Q, -W

If the Database Client is launched, you will be requested for a username and password.

$ basexclient -h
BaseX [Client]
Usage: basexclient [-bcdiInopPqrRsUvVwxz] [input]
  [input]    XQuery or command file, or query string
  -b<args>   Bind external query variables
  -c<input>  Execute commands from file or string
  -C<file>   Execute command script file
  -d         Toggle debugging output
  -i<input>  Bind file or database to context
  -I<input>  Bind input string to context
  -n<name>   Set server (host) name
  -o<path>   Write output to local file
  -p<port>   Set server port
  -P<pass>   Specify user password
  -q<expr>   Execute XQuery expression
  -Q<file>   Execute XQuery file
  -r<num>    Run query multiple times
  -R         Toggle query execution
  -s<args>   Set serialization parameters
  -U<name>   Specify username
  -v         Toggle output of progress info
  -V         Toggle detailed query output
  -w         Toggle whitespace stripping
  -W         Enable indentation with whitespaces
  -x         Toggle output of query plan
  -z         Toggle output of query result

See the following table for details (equivalent database options are shown in the table as well). For the examples to work, it might be necessary to escape some characters, depending on your operating system.

Flag Description Option Default Examples
[input] Evaluates the specified input:
  • The input string may point to an existing file. If the file suffix is .bxs, the file contents will be evaluated as Command Script; any other file content will be evaluated as XQuery expression.
  • Otherwise, the input string itself is evaluated as XQuery expression.
"doc('X')//head"
query.xq
commands.bxs
-b<args> Binds external variables to XQuery expressions. This flag may be specified multiple times. Variables names and their values are delimited by equality signs (=). The names may be optionally prefixed with dollar signs. If a variable uses a namespace different from the default namespace, it can be specified with the Expanded QNames notation. BINDINGS -b$v=example "declare variable $v external; $v"
-bQ{URL}ln=value
"declare namespace ns='URL'; declare variable $ns:ln external; $ns:ln"
-c<input> Executes commands. If the specified input is a valid URI or file reference, its content will be executed instead. Empty lines and lines starting with the number sign # will be ignored. -c list
-ccommands.txt
-c"<info/>"
-C<file> Evaluates the contents of the specified file as Command Script.
-d Toggles the debugging mode. Debugging information is output to standard error. DEBUG false
-i<input> Opens the specified XML file, directory with XML files, or database. The opened input can then be processed by a command or XQuery expression. -iitems.xml "//item"
-I<input> Assigns an input string as item of type xs:untypedAtomic to the query context. -I "Hello Universe" -q "."
-n<name> Specifies the host name on which the server is running. HOST localhost -nserver.basex.org
-o<path> All command and query output is written to the specified file.
-p<port> Specifies the port on which the server is running. PORT 1984 -p9999
-P<pass> Specifies the user password. If this flag is omitted, the password will be requested on command line. Warning: When the password is supplied with this flag, it may end up in logs or the bash history. PASSWORD -Uadmin -P...
-q<expr> Executes the specified string as XQuery expression. -q"1+2"
-Q<file> Evaluates the contents of the specified file as XQuery expression.
-r<num> Specifies how often a specified query will be evaluated. RUNS 1 -V -r10 "1"
-R Specifies if a query will be executed or parsed only. RUNQUERY true -V -R "1"
-s<args> Specifies parameters for serializing XQuery results; see Serialization for more details. This flag may be specified multiple times. Key and values are separated by the equality sign (=). SERIALIZER -smethod=text
-U<name> Specifies the username. If this flag is omitted, the username will be requested on command line. USER -Uadmin
-v Prints process and timing information to the standard output. false
-V Prints detailed query information to the standard output, including details on the compilation and profiling steps. QUERYINFO false
-w Toggles whitespace stripping of XML text nodes. By default, whitespaces will be preserved. STRIPWS false
-W Enables indentation with whitespace. By default, query results will not be indented. SERIALIZER indent=no
-x Toggles the output of the query execution plan, formatted as XML. XMLPLAN false
-z Turns the serialization of XQuery results on/off. This flag is useful if the query is profiled or analyzed. SERIALIZE true

HTTP Server[edit]

Added with Version 11: -C

The following options are available for the HTTP Server:

$ basexhttp -h
BaseX [HTTP]
Usage: basexhttp [-cdhlnpsSUz] [stop]
  stop       Stop running server
  -c<input>  Execute commands from file or string
  -C<file>   Execute command script file
  -d         Enable debugging output
  -g         Enable GZIP support
  -h<port>   Set port of HTTP server
  -l         Start in local mode
  -n<name>   Set host name of database server
  -p<port>   Set port of database server
  -s<port>   Specify port to stop HTTP server
  -S         Start as service
  -U<name>   Specify username
  -z         Suppress logging

The meaning of all options is listed in the following table (equivalent database options are shown in the table as well). For the examples to work, it might be necessary to escape some characters depending on your Operating System.

Flag Description Option Default Examples
stop Stops a local HTTP server and quits. The database server will be stopped as well, unless -l is specified. pom.xml
-c<input> Executes commands. If the specified input is a valid URI or file reference, this file is evaluated as Command Script. -c"open database"
-C<file> Evaluates the contents of the specified file as Command Script.
-e Enables debugging output. Debugging information is output to standard error. DEBUG
-g Enables GZIP support in Jetty. GZIP
-h<port> Specifies the port on which the HTTP server will be addressable. jetty.xml 8080 -h9999
-l Starts the server in local mode, and executes all commands in the embedded database context. HTTPLOCAL
-n<name> Specifies the host name on which the server is running. HOST localhost -nserver.basex.org
-p<port> Specifies the port on which the database server will be addressable. SERVERPORT 1984 -p9998
-s<port> Specifies the port that will be used to stop the HTTP server. STOPPORT or
pom.xml
8081
-S Starts the server as service (i.e., in the background). Use YAJSW, or start BaseX as an ordinary background process to get more options.
-U<name> Specifies a username, which will be used by the HTTP services for opening a new session. USER -Uadmin
-z Prevents the generation of log files. LOG

Changelog[edit]

Version 11.0
  • Added: -C (standalone, server, client, HTTP server).
  • Added: -Q, -W (standalone, client).
  • Updated: The Clark notation was replaced with the Expanded QNames notation.
Version 10.0
  • Updated: Whitespaces are now preserved by default (see STRIPWS for more details).
Version 9.0
  • Added: BaseXHTTP, command-line option -c.
  • Updated: BaseXHTTP, command-line option -c, additionally accepts valid URLs and file references.
Version 8.2
  • Removed: Event ports, -e.
Version 8.1
  • Added: Bind input strings to the query context with -I.
Version 8.0
  • Removed: Command-line option -L (results will now be automatically separated by newlines).
Version 7.9
  • Added: Runs tests in file or directory with -t.
  • Removed: interactive server mode.
Version 7.8
  • Added: Specify if a query will be executed or parsed only with -R.
Version 7.7
Version 7.5
  • Added: detection of Command Scripts.
  • Removed: HTTP server flags -R, -W, and -X.
Version 7.3
  • Updated: all options are now evaluated in the given order.
  • Updated: Create main-memory representations for specified sources with -i.
  • Updated: Options -C/-c and -q/[input] merged.
  • Updated: Option -L also separates serialized items with newlines (instead of spaces).
Version 7.2
  • Added: RESTXQ Service
Version 7.1.1
  • Added: Options -C and -L in standalone and client mode.
Version 7.1
  • Updated: Multiple query files and -c/-i/-q flags can be specified.