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Introduction

Datoso provides a comprehensive command-line interface (CLI) for managing ROM DAT files from various sources. The CLI follows a subcommand pattern where each major operation has its own command with specific flags and options.

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Basic Usage

datoso [global-options] <command> [command-options]

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Global Options

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--version
flag
Display the version of Datoso and exit
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-v, --verbose
flag
Enable verbose output for detailed logging and debugging information

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Common Patterns

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Working with Seeds

Seeds are data source plugins that Datoso uses to fetch and process DAT files. Most seed operations follow this pattern: 
# List installed seeds
datoso seed installed

# Fetch DAT files from a seed
datoso <seed-name> --fetch

# Process fetched DAT files
datoso <seed-name> --process

# Fetch and process in one command
datoso <seed-name> --fetch --process

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Configuration Management

Datoso uses a hierarchical configuration system with global and local settings:
  • Global config: ~/.config/datoso/datoso.config
  • Local config: .datosorc in current directory
# View current configuration
datoso config

# Get a specific value
datoso config --get SECTION.Option

# Set a value globally
datoso config --set SECTION.Option value --global

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Working with DATs

DAT files can be queried and modified using the dat command: 
# Show all DATs
datoso dat --all

# Show specific DAT
datoso dat --dat-name "seed:name"

# Filter DATs by field
datoso dat --find "field=value"

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Command Categories

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Core Commands

  • seed - Manage seed plugins (list, details, fetch, process)
  • dat - Query and modify DAT file metadata
  • config - View and modify configuration settings

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Utility Commands

  • doctor - Validate seed installations and repair issues
  • import - Import existing DAT files from RomVault
  • deduper - Deduplicate DAT files by removing entries from parent DATs

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Maintenance Commands

  • log - Display the Datoso log file contents

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Output Formats

Datoso uses color-coded output to improve readability:
  • Green - Success messages and active elements
  • Cyan - Information and identifiers
  • Blue - Values and results
  • Yellow - Warnings
  • Red - Errors and failures

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Exit Codes

Datoso follows standard Unix exit code conventions:
  • 0 - Success
  • 1 - Error or failure

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Getting Help

For help with any command, use the -h or --help flag: 
# General help
datoso --help

# Command-specific help
datoso seed --help
datoso config --help

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Next Steps

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