[MacPorts] #72509: `port dependents` behaviour

[MacPorts]

#72509: `port dependents` behaviour
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  Reporter:  RJVB         |      Owner:  (none)
      Type:  enhancement  |     Status:  new
  Priority:  Normal       |  Milestone:
 Component:  base         |    Version:
Resolution:               |   Keywords:
      Port:               |
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Comment (by mascguy):

 Bear in mind that `port dependents`, while useful, isn't intended to
 support complex use-cases.

 Instead, you'll want to use the pseudo-portnames functionality, in concert
 with other alternatives. (Review the docs via `man port`, for the various
 options.) But to emphasize: There is a TREMENDOUS amount of hidden power
 and capability at your fingertips. Providing a rich set of query
 functionality, supporting some fairly complex scenarios if desired.

 You can then combine those  with `port info --line`, to output precisely
 the field(s) you want.

 For example, the equivalent to `port dependents`, is the following:

 ```
 $ port info --line --name installed and depends:foo
 ```

 If you want to eliminate non-active ports, add more to the query:

 ```
 $ port info --line --name installed and active and depends:foo
 ```

 To include additional field(s), add args to include those too:

 ```
 $ port info --line --name --version --variants installed and active and
 depends:foo
 ```

 And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Carefully review the docs via `man
 port`, and you'll see what I mean.

 Take some time to work with this, and let us know if that provides what
 you need.

-- 
Ticket URL: <https://trac.macports.org/ticket/72509#comment:2>
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