Certain commands have standard errors defined in POSIX.2 documentation. Follow the guidelines set up in POSIX.2, if applicable.
Tell the user to Press the ------ key to select a key on the keyboard, including the specific key to press (such as, Press Ctrl-D).
Unless the system is overloaded, there is no need to tell the user to Try again later. That should be obvious from the message.
When writing message text, use the word parameter to describe text on the command line; use the word value to indicate numeric data.
Use the word flag rather than the words command option.
Do not use commas to set off the one-thousandth place in values.
Do not use 1,000. Use 1000.
If a message must be set off with an asterisk, use two asterisks at the beginning of the message and two asterisks at the end of the message.
** Total **
Use log in and log off as verbs.
Log in to the system; enter the data; then log off.
Use user name, group name, and login as nouns.
The user name is sam. The group name is staff. The login directory is /u/sam.
User number and group number refer to the number associated with the user's name and group.
Do not use the term superuser. The root user may not have all privileges.
Use the words command string to describe the command with its parameters.
Many of the same messages occur frequently. Table A-1 lists the new standard message that replaces the old message.
Use the Following Standard Messages |
Instead of These Messages |
---|---|
Cannot find or open the file. |
Can't open filename. |
Cannot find or access the file. |
Can't access |
The syntax of a parameter is not valid. |
syntax error |