Fetch the used subcommands without using Args::command().get_matches()

[shard77]

Hello,

I'm relatively new to Rust and clap, and I might be missing something obvious here. My goal is to override the default help command along with the -h and --help arguments to introduce a fully customized help prompt.

To achieve this, I've been utilizing Args::command() to access metadata like the author's name, binary name, etc. Based on my understanding, to tailor the help prompt to the current subcommand, I need to invoke Args::command().get_matches(), which should allow me to identify the active subcommand and adjust the help text accordingly.

However, I've encountered a snag: using Args::command().get_matches() seems to consume the Command instance, preventing me from displaying my customized help prompt as intended, even if I clone Args::command() to use get_matches(). Moreover, since get_matches() yields a reference to ArgMatches rather than to a Command, I find myself unable to retrieve the comprehensive command-related information I need for my custom prompt.

Is there a way to work around this issue so I can both determine the active subcommand and retain access to the full Command information for my custom help functionality?

Take in consideration that I don't want to parse each subcommand through args, since this would imply that I need to call my custom helpfunction for each subcommand, resulting in repetitive code.

Lastly, is this the right place to ask such things? I don't want to bother anyone, in case it's not, I'll ask for support somewhere else.
Thanks in advance.

[epage]

However, I've encountered a snag: using Args::command().get_matches() seems to consume the Command instance,

We offer _mut variants that don't consume.

even if I clone Args::command() to use get_matches()

This is confusing. If you generate separate Commands or clone them, then it should be fine. What problem are you running into?

However, you could run into errors that exit immediately. You would likely want to use a try_ prefixed version.

Lastly, is this the right place to ask such things? I don't want to bother anyone, in case it's not, I'll ask for support somewhere else.
Thanks in advance.

This is an appropriate place. There are also a contingent of people who generally discuss and help each other on discord

[shard77]

Thanks for the quick answer and additional information!

However, you could run into errors that exit immediately. You would likely want to use a try_ prefixed version.

This indeed was the problem.
I'll join the discord server, thanks for the link.