python / python/cpython

Defaults conditionally omitted from help message when using ArgumentDefaultsHelpFormatter

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stdlib type-feature
Dominant language
Python
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Description

Bug report

Using ArgumentDefaultsHelpFormatter as formatter_class of ArgumentParser doesn't always shows default even if the default for argument is set. It's expected to show default if provided.

Example:

    parser = ArgumentParser(formatter_class=ArgumentDefaultsHelpFormatter)
    parser.add_argument('foo', default=1)
    parser.add_argument('bar', nargs='*', default=1)
    parser.add_argument('baz', nargs='*', default=1, help='baz help')
    parser.add_argument('-a', default=1)
    parser.add_argument('-b', default=1, help='b_help')
    parser.print_help()

provides

positional arguments:
  foo
  bar
  baz         baz help (default: 1)

options:
  -h, --help  show this help message and exit
  -a A
  -b B        b_help (default: 1)

Though I see no reason to not show default for -a, foo and bar.
Making help argument mandatory to show default is necessary imho, but what is really strange is that it's enough for an option, but requires nargs for a positional argument.

Your environment

  • CPython versions tested on: 3.10.5
  • Operating system and architecture: Arch Linux x86_64 5.15.55-1-lts
Linked PRs
  • gh-112682

Contributor guide

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First steps

  1. Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
  2. Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

Start by reproducing the supplied ArgumentParser example with ArgumentDefaultsHelpFormatter and inspect the formatter behavior for positional and optional arguments. Check the linked PR gh-112682 for existing work; done means the help output consistently shows provided defaults in the reported cases.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
python
Domain
cli
Issue type
Bug
Difficulty
3/5
Estimated time
1-2 days
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Clearly specified
Newbie friendliness
35/100

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