How might the .NET CLI be adapted for better accessibility across screen readers and speech-to-text tools?

Yash Smith 0 Reputation points
2025-07-28T09:18:45.2133333+00:00

Is command output readable, and are error messages clearly structured for assistive tech users?

Developer technologies | .NET | .NET CLI
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  1. Susmitha T (INFOSYS LIMITED) 160 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff
    2025-08-05T08:35:27.9066667+00:00

    Thank you for reaching out. Please find the answer below.

    1.Structured Output: Ensure that command outputs are clearly structured. For instance, including headers, organizing output into tables, and using formatting like JSON can improve readability for screen readers. You can consider adopting formatted outputs (like CSV) that are easily interpreted by other tools. Use consistent formatting with clear headings, bullet points, and indentation.

    • Include summary lines at the end of commands (e.g., “Build succeeded with 0 warnings and 2 errors”).

    2. Error Messaging: Craft clear and concise error messages. Avoid jargon and ensure that error messages provide actionable steps for resolution. It can be helpful if these messages also follow a standard format that a screen reader can easily navigate.

     

    3. Use of Tools: Consider incorporating tools that allow your output to be manipulated for better accessibility. For instance, commands like Out-GridView in PowerShell can provide a more interactive table view that is friendly to screen readers.

     

    4.Follow WCAG: Adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) which define how to make web content more accessible. This includes ensuring that all elements are visually identifiable and that interfaces do not rely solely on visual cues.

     

    Kindly find the resource for guidance: Improve the accessibility of output in PowerShell - PowerShell | Microsoft Learn

    Accessibility tips and tricks for Visual Studio - Visual Studio (Windows) | Microsoft Learn

     

    If issue still persist after following all the steps, we’ll be happy to assist further if needed." Kindly mark the answer as accepted if the issue resolved".


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