For those of you who use Simian, please be aware, they upgraded the product and the old "-recurse" option no longer works. Read below on how to fix it.

The Issue

I downloaded it last night to test it with my teams current continuous integration environment through Cruise Control .NET (CCNET).  I looked at some examples on the CCNET website on how to run this as a NAnt task and found that it should be fairly easy. I just needed to recurse through the directories and have it run on all C# files (*.cs). Unfortunately I was getting a "Invalid Option" each time I ran this code:

simian-2.2.13.exe -recurse=*.cs -formatter=xml:simian.xml

The Issue, Part 2

I finally figured out that the docutmentation on the CCNET site was incorrect. The new product removed the -recurse option and replaced it with -includes and -excludes options to resemble the file globbing method of retrieving files.

I then ran the command as they recommended on the site:

I then got this error: "Error: Illegal characters in path."

The battle continues

I continue to battle this until I finally give up I try wrapping paths in quotes, executing using different syntax, passing in different wild cards. I combed the documentation with a fine tooth comb, only to find, NOTHING.

Resolution

I resorted to emailing support to ask for help.

To my amazement, I had a reply within 2 hours stating that I found a bug in the new release. They said they would fix it and upload a new version ASAP. 5 Hours later, the new version was live on the site.

I downloaded the new version, version 2.2.14, and ran the command

simian-2.2.14.exe -includes=**/*.cs -formatter=xml:simian.xml

I ran the command and the system placed my results into my requested XML File. I was now able to integrate it into my continuous integration system.

With it in place, I can now see my similiarity results.

Cruise Control .NET Website support link