The indent command is a powerful utility for automatically formatting source code, particularly C and C++. It helps maintain consistent code style, improving readability and maintainability. This tool is invaluable for developers working in teams or on large projects where adhering to a specific coding standard is crucial.

Format C/C++ Source Code

This example demonstrates how to use the indent command to format C/C++ source code according to the widely recognized Kernighan and Ritchie (K&R) style. It ensures that tabs are not used for indentation, sets the indentation level to 3 spaces, and wraps lines at a maximum of 120 characters to prevent overly long lines.

Example Usage: K&R Style Formatting

# To Format C/C++ source according to the style of Kernighan and Ritchie (K&R),
# no tabs, 3 spaces per indent, wrap lines at 120 characters.
indent -i3 -kr -nut -l120

Understanding the Options

• -i3: Sets the indentation increment to 3 spaces.
• -kr: Applies the Kernighan and Ritchie (K&R) style formatting.
• -nut: Disables the use of tabs for indentation, ensuring consistent spacing.
• -l120: Sets the maximum line length to 120 characters, triggering line wrapping.

Benefits of Using Code Indenter

Automated code formatting with tools like indent offers several advantages:

• Consistency: Ensures all code adheres to a uniform style, regardless of who wrote it.
• Readability: Well-indented code is easier to read and understand, reducing cognitive load.
• Maintainability: Consistent formatting makes it simpler to debug and modify code over time.
• Reduced Conflicts: In version control systems, consistent formatting can minimize merge conflicts.

For more advanced formatting options and detailed explanations of the indent command, refer to the official documentation.