diff --git a/dotdrop/comparator.py b/dotdrop/comparator.py
index 5449015..c930d3f 100644
--- a/dotdrop/comparator.py
+++ b/dotdrop/comparator.py
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 author: deadc0de6 (https://github.com/deadc0de6)
 Copyright (c) 2017, deadc0de6
 
-handle the comparison of dotfiles and local deployment
+handle the comparison of two dotfiles
 """
 
 import os
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ class Comparator:
 
     def __init__(self, diffopts='', debug=False):
         """constructor
-        @diffopts: cli switches to pass to unix diff
+        @diffopts: switches to pass to unix diff
         @debug: enable debug
         """
         self.diffopts = diffopts
@@ -61,12 +61,14 @@ class Comparator:
             self.log.dbg('compare {} and {}'.format(left, right))
         ret = []
         comp = filecmp.dircmp(left, right)
+
         # handle files only in deployed file
         for i in comp.left_only:
             if utils.must_ignore([os.path.join(left, i)],
                                  ignore, debug=self.debug):
                 continue
             ret.append('=> \"{}\" does not exist on local\n'.format(i))
+
         # handle files only in dotpath file
         for i in comp.right_only:
             if utils.must_ignore([os.path.join(right, i)],
@@ -107,6 +109,5 @@ class Comparator:
                           opts=self.diffopts, debug=self.debug)
         if header:
             lshort = os.path.basename(left)
-            rshort = os.path.basename(right)
             diff = '=> diff \"{}\":\n{}'.format(lshort, diff)
         return diff
diff --git a/dotdrop/config.py b/dotdrop/config.py
index 12eb8fb..6c68718 100644
--- a/dotdrop/config.py
+++ b/dotdrop/config.py
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ from dotdrop.dotfile import Dotfile
 from dotdrop.templategen import Templategen
 from dotdrop.logger import Logger
 from dotdrop.action import Action, Transform
-from dotdrop.utils import *
+from dotdrop.utils import strip_home, shell
 from dotdrop.linktypes import LinkTypes
 
 
@@ -126,7 +126,8 @@ class Cfg:
     def eval_dotfiles(self, profile, variables, debug=False):
         """resolve dotfiles src/dst/actions templating for this profile"""
         t = Templategen(variables=variables)
-        for d in self.get_dotfiles(profile):
+        dotfiles = self._get_dotfiles(profile)
+        for d in dotfiles:
             # src and dst path
             d.src = t.generate_string(d.src)
             d.dst = t.generate_string(d.dst)
@@ -138,6 +139,7 @@ class Cfg:
             if self.key_actions_post in d.actions:
                 for action in d.actions[self.key_actions_post]:
                     action.action = t.generate_string(action.action)
+        return dotfiles
 
     def _load_file(self):
         """load the yaml file"""
@@ -335,14 +337,24 @@ class Cfg:
 
         # make sure we have an absolute dotpath
         self.curdotpath = self.lnk_settings[self.key_dotpath]
-        self.lnk_settings[self.key_dotpath] = self.abs_or_rel(self.curdotpath)
+        self.lnk_settings[self.key_dotpath] = \
+            self._abs_path(self.curdotpath)
 
         # make sure we have an absolute workdir
         self.curworkdir = self.lnk_settings[self.key_workdir]
-        self.lnk_settings[self.key_workdir] = self.abs_or_rel(self.curworkdir)
+        self.lnk_settings[self.key_workdir] = \
+            self._abs_path(self.curworkdir)
 
         return True
 
+    def _abs_path(self, path):
+        """return absolute path of path relative to the confpath"""
+        path = os.path.expanduser(path)
+        if not os.path.isabs(path):
+            d = os.path.dirname(self.cfgpath)
+            return os.path.join(d, path)
+        return path
+
     def _get_included_dotfiles(self, profile):
         """find all dotfiles for a specific profile
         when using the include keyword"""
@@ -427,15 +439,6 @@ class Cfg:
         if self.key_ignoreempty not in self.lnk_settings:
             self.lnk_settings[self.key_ignoreempty] = self.default_ignoreempty
 
-    def abs_or_rel(self, path):
-        """path is either absolute or relative to the config path"""
-        path = os.path.expanduser(path)
-        if not os.path.isabs(path):
-            absconf = os.path.join(os.path.dirname(
-                self.cfgpath), path)
-            return absconf
-        return path
-
     def _save(self, content, path):
         """writes the config to file"""
         ret = False
@@ -501,37 +504,6 @@ class Cfg:
             cnt += 1
         return key
 
-    def short_to_long(self):
-        """transform all short keys to long keys"""
-        if not self.content[self.key_dotfiles]:
-            return
-        match = {}
-        new = {}
-        # handle the entries in dotfiles
-        for oldkey, v in self.content[self.key_dotfiles].items():
-            path = v[self.key_dotfiles_dst]
-            path = os.path.expanduser(path)
-            newkey = self._get_long_key(path)
-            new[newkey] = v
-            match[oldkey] = newkey
-        # replace with new keys
-        self.content[self.key_dotfiles] = new
-
-        # handle the entries in profiles
-        for k, v in self.lnk_profiles.items():
-            if self.key_profiles_dots not in v:
-                continue
-            if not v[self.key_profiles_dots]:
-                continue
-            new = []
-            for oldkey in v[self.key_profiles_dots]:
-                if oldkey == self.key_all:
-                    continue
-                newkey = match[oldkey]
-                new.append(newkey)
-            # replace with new keys
-            v[self.key_profiles_dots] = new
-
     def _dotfile_exists(self, dotfile):
         """return True and the existing dotfile key
         if it already exists, False and a new unique key otherwise"""
@@ -609,7 +581,7 @@ class Cfg:
 
         return True, dotfile
 
-    def get_dotfiles(self, profile):
+    def _get_dotfiles(self, profile):
         """return a list of dotfiles for a specific profile"""
         if profile not in self.prodots:
             return []
diff --git a/dotdrop/dotdrop.py b/dotdrop/dotdrop.py
index 1f0f02f..4a7ea1d 100644
--- a/dotdrop/dotdrop.py
+++ b/dotdrop/dotdrop.py
@@ -7,11 +7,9 @@ entry point
 
 import os
 import sys
-import socket
-from docopt import docopt
 
 # local imports
-from dotdrop.version import __version__ as VERSION
+from dotdrop.options import Options
 from dotdrop.logger import Logger
 from dotdrop.templategen import Templategen
 from dotdrop.installer import Installer
@@ -23,91 +21,43 @@ from dotdrop.utils import get_tmpdir, remove, strip_home, run
 from dotdrop.linktypes import LinkTypes
 
 LOG = Logger()
-ENV_PROFILE = 'DOTDROP_PROFILE'
-ENV_NOBANNER = 'DOTDROP_NOBANNER'
-PROFILE = socket.gethostname()
-if ENV_PROFILE in os.environ:
-    PROFILE = os.environ[ENV_PROFILE]
 TRANS_SUFFIX = 'trans'
 
-BANNER = """     _       _      _
-  __| | ___ | |_ __| |_ __ ___  _ __
- / _` |/ _ \| __/ _` | '__/ _ \| '_ |
- \__,_|\___/ \__\__,_|_|  \___/| .__/  v{}
-                               |_|""".format(VERSION)
-
-USAGE = """
-{}
-
-Usage:
-  dotdrop install   [-tfndVbD] [-c <path>] [-p <profile>] [<key>...]
-  dotdrop import    [-ldVb]    [-c <path>] [-p <profile>] <path>...
-  dotdrop compare   [-Vb]      [-c <path>] [-p <profile>]
-                               [-o <opts>] [-C <file>...] [-i <pattern>...]
-  dotdrop update    [-fdVbkP]  [-c <path>] [-p <profile>]
-                               [-i <pattern>...] [<path>...]
-  dotdrop listfiles [-VTb]     [-c <path>] [-p <profile>]
-  dotdrop detail    [-Vb]      [-c <path>] [-p <profile>] [<key>...]
-  dotdrop list      [-Vb]      [-c <path>]
-  dotdrop --help
-  dotdrop --version
-
-Options:
-  -p --profile=<profile>  Specify the profile to use [default: {}].
-  -c --cfg=<path>         Path to the config [default: config.yaml].
-  -C --file=<path>        Path of dotfile to compare.
-  -i --ignore=<pattern>   Pattern to ignore.
-  -o --dopts=<opts>       Diff options [default: ].
-  -n --nodiff             Do not diff when installing.
-  -t --temp               Install to a temporary directory for review.
-  -T --template           Only template dotfiles.
-  -D --showdiff           Show a diff before overwriting.
-  -l --inv-link           Invert the value of "link_by_default" when importing.
-  -P --show-patch         Provide a one-liner to manually patch template.
-  -f --force              Do not warn if exists.
-  -k --key                Treat <path> as a dotfile key.
-  -V --verbose            Be verbose.
-  -d --dry                Dry run.
-  -b --no-banner          Do not display the banner.
-  -v --version            Show version.
-  -h --help               Show this screen.
-
-""".format(BANNER, PROFILE)
-
 ###########################################################
 # entry point
 ###########################################################
 
 
-def cmd_install(opts, conf, temporary=False, keys=[]):
+def cmd_install(o):
     """install dotfiles for this profile"""
-    dotfiles = conf.get_dotfiles(opts['profile'])
-    if keys:
+    dotfiles = o.dotfiles
+    if o.install_keys:
         # filtered dotfiles to install
-        dotfiles = [d for d in dotfiles if d.key in set(keys)]
+        dotfiles = [d for d in dotfiles if d.key in set(o.install_keys)]
     if not dotfiles:
         msg = 'no dotfile to install for this profile (\"{}\")'
-        LOG.warn(msg.format(opts['profile']))
+        LOG.warn(msg.format(o.profile))
         return False
 
-    t = Templategen(base=opts['dotpath'], variables=opts['variables'],
-                    debug=opts['debug'])
+    t = Templategen(base=o.dotpath, variables=o.variables,
+                    debug=o.debug)
     tmpdir = None
-    if temporary:
+    if o.install_temporary:
         tmpdir = get_tmpdir()
-    inst = Installer(create=opts['create'], backup=opts['backup'],
-                     dry=opts['dry'], safe=opts['safe'],
-                     base=opts['dotpath'], workdir=opts['workdir'],
-                     diff=opts['installdiff'], debug=opts['debug'],
-                     totemp=tmpdir, showdiff=opts['showdiff'])
+    inst = Installer(create=o.create, backup=o.backup,
+                     dry=o.dry, safe=o.safe,
+                     base=o.dotpath, workdir=o.workdir,
+                     diff=o.install_diff, debug=o.debug,
+                     totemp=tmpdir,
+                     showdiff=o.install_showdiff)
     installed = []
     for dotfile in dotfiles:
         preactions = []
-        if not temporary and dotfile.actions \
+        if not o.install_temporary and dotfile.actions \
                 and Cfg.key_actions_pre in dotfile.actions:
             for action in dotfile.actions[Cfg.key_actions_pre]:
                 preactions.append(action)
-        if opts['debug']:
+        if o.debug:
             LOG.dbg('installing {}'.format(dotfile))
         if hasattr(dotfile, 'link') and dotfile.link == LinkTypes.PARENTS:
             r = inst.link(t, dotfile.src, dotfile.dst, actions=preactions)
@@ -117,59 +67,60 @@ def cmd_install(opts, conf, temporary=False, keys=[]):
             src = dotfile.src
             tmp = None
             if dotfile.trans_r:
-                tmp = apply_trans(opts, dotfile)
+                tmp = apply_trans(o.dotpath, dotfile, debug=o.debug)
                 if not tmp:
                     continue
                 src = tmp
             r = inst.install(t, src, dotfile.dst, actions=preactions,
                              noempty=dotfile.noempty)
             if tmp:
-                tmp = os.path.join(opts['dotpath'], tmp)
+                tmp = os.path.join(o.dotpath, tmp)
                 if os.path.exists(tmp):
                     remove(tmp)
         if len(r) > 0:
-            if not temporary and Cfg.key_actions_post in dotfile.actions:
+            if not o.install_temporary and \
+                    Cfg.key_actions_post in dotfile.actions:
                 actions = dotfile.actions[Cfg.key_actions_post]
                 # execute action
                 for action in actions:
-                    if opts['dry']:
+                    if o.dry:
                         LOG.dry('would execute action: {}'.format(action))
                     else:
-                        if opts['debug']:
+                        if o.debug:
                             LOG.dbg('executing post action {}'.format(action))
                         action.execute()
         installed.extend(r)
-    if temporary:
+    if o.install_temporary:
         LOG.log('\nInstalled to tmp \"{}\".'.format(tmpdir))
     LOG.log('\n{} dotfile(s) installed.'.format(len(installed)))
     return True
 
 
-def cmd_compare(opts, conf, tmp, focus=[], ignore=[]):
+def cmd_compare(o, tmp):
     """compare dotfiles and return True if all identical"""
-    dotfiles = conf.get_dotfiles(opts['profile'])
+    dotfiles = o.dotfiles
     if dotfiles == []:
         msg = 'no dotfile defined for this profile (\"{}\")'
-        LOG.warn(msg.format(opts['profile']))
+        LOG.warn(msg.format(o.profile))
         return True
     # compare only specific files
     same = True
     selected = dotfiles
-    if focus:
-        selected = _select(focus, dotfiles)
+    if o.compare_focus:
+        selected = _select(o.compare_focus, dotfiles)
 
     if len(selected) < 1:
         return False
 
-    t = Templategen(base=opts['dotpath'], variables=opts['variables'],
-                    debug=opts['debug'])
-    inst = Installer(create=opts['create'], backup=opts['backup'],
-                     dry=opts['dry'], base=opts['dotpath'],
-                     workdir=opts['workdir'], debug=opts['debug'])
-    comp = Comparator(diffopts=opts['dopts'], debug=opts['debug'])
+    t = Templategen(base=o.dotpath, variables=o.variables,
+                    debug=o.debug)
+    inst = Installer(create=o.create, backup=o.backup,
+                     dry=o.dry, base=o.dotpath,
+                     workdir=o.workdir, debug=o.debug)
+    comp = Comparator(diffopts=o.compare_dopts, debug=o.debug)
 
     for dotfile in selected:
-        if opts['debug']:
+        if o.debug:
             LOG.dbg('comparing {}'.format(dotfile))
         src = dotfile.src
         if not os.path.lexists(os.path.expanduser(dotfile.dst)):
@@ -181,7 +132,7 @@ def cmd_compare(opts, conf, tmp, focus=[], ignore=[]):
         tmpsrc = None
         if dotfile.trans_r:
             # apply transformation
-            tmpsrc = apply_trans(opts, dotfile)
+            tmpsrc = apply_trans(o.dotpath, dotfile, debug=o.debug)
             if not tmpsrc:
                 # could not apply trans
                 same = False
@@ -193,15 +144,15 @@ def cmd_compare(opts, conf, tmp, focus=[], ignore=[]):
             # failed to install to tmp
             same = False
             continue
-        ignores = list(set(ignore + dotfile.cmpignore))
+        ignores = list(set(o.compare_ignore + dotfile.cmpignore))
         diff = comp.compare(insttmp, dotfile.dst, ignore=ignores)
         if tmpsrc:
             # clean tmp transformed dotfile if any
-            tmpsrc = os.path.join(opts['dotpath'], tmpsrc)
+            tmpsrc = os.path.join(o.dotpath, tmpsrc)
             if os.path.exists(tmpsrc):
                 remove(tmpsrc)
         if diff == '':
-            if opts['debug']:
+            if o.debug:
                 line = '=> compare {}: diffing with \"{}\"'
                 LOG.dbg(line.format(dotfile.key, dotfile.dst))
                 LOG.dbg('same file')
@@ -214,16 +165,20 @@ def cmd_compare(opts, conf, tmp, focus=[], ignore=[]):
     return same
 
 
-def cmd_update(opts, conf, paths, iskey=False, ignore=[], showpatch=False):
+def cmd_update(o):
     """update the dotfile(s) from path(s) or key(s)"""
     ret = True
-    updater = Updater(conf, opts['dotpath'], opts['profile'],
-                      opts['variables'], opts['dry'], opts['safe'],
-                      iskey=iskey, debug=opts['debug'], ignore=[],
-                      showpatch=showpatch)
+    paths = o.update_path
+    iskey = o.update_iskey
+    ignore = o.update_ignore
+    showpatch = o.update_showpatch
+
+    updater = Updater(o.dotpath, o.dotfiles, o.variables,
+                      dry=o.dry, safe=o.safe, debug=o.debug,
+                      ignore=ignore, showpatch=showpatch)
     if not iskey:
         # update paths
-        if opts['debug']:
+        if o.debug:
             LOG.dbg('update by paths: {}'.format(paths))
         for path in paths:
             if not updater.update_path(path):
@@ -233,8 +188,8 @@ def cmd_update(opts, conf, paths, iskey=False, ignore=[], showpatch=False):
         keys = paths
         if not keys:
             # if not provided, take all keys
-            keys = [d.key for d in conf.get_dotfiles(opts['profile'])]
-        if opts['debug']:
+            keys = [d.key for d in o.dotfiles]
+        if o.debug:
             LOG.dbg('update by keys: {}'.format(keys))
         for key in keys:
             if not updater.update_key(key):
@@ -242,12 +197,13 @@ def cmd_update(opts, conf, paths, iskey=False, ignore=[], showpatch=False):
     return ret
 
 
-def cmd_importer(opts, conf, paths):
+def cmd_importer(o):
     """import dotfile(s) from paths"""
     ret = True
     cnt = 0
+    paths = o.import_path
     for path in paths:
-        if opts['debug']:
+        if o.debug:
             LOG.dbg('trying to import {}'.format(path))
         if not os.path.lexists(path):
             LOG.err('\"{}\" does not exist, ignored!'.format(path))
@@ -257,37 +213,37 @@ def cmd_importer(opts, conf, paths):
         dst = os.path.abspath(dst)
         src = strip_home(dst)
         strip = '.' + os.sep
-        if opts['keepdot']:
+        if o.keepdot:
             strip = os.sep
         src = src.lstrip(strip)
 
         # create a new dotfile
         dotfile = Dotfile('', dst, src)
 
-        linktype = LinkTypes(opts['link'])
+        linktype = LinkTypes(o.link)
 
-        if opts['debug']:
+        if o.debug:
             LOG.dbg('new dotfile: {}'.format(dotfile))
 
         # prepare hierarchy for dotfile
-        srcf = os.path.join(opts['dotpath'], src)
+        srcf = os.path.join(o.dotpath, src)
         if not os.path.exists(srcf):
             cmd = ['mkdir', '-p', '{}'.format(os.path.dirname(srcf))]
-            if opts['dry']:
+            if o.dry:
                 LOG.dry('would run: {}'.format(' '.join(cmd)))
             else:
-                r, _ = run(cmd, raw=False, debug=opts['debug'], checkerr=True)
+                r, _ = run(cmd, raw=False, debug=o.debug, checkerr=True)
                 if not r:
                     LOG.err('importing \"{}\" failed!'.format(path))
                     ret = False
                     continue
             cmd = ['cp', '-R', '-L', dst, srcf]
-            if opts['dry']:
+            if o.dry:
                 LOG.dry('would run: {}'.format(' '.join(cmd)))
                 if linktype == LinkTypes.PARENTS:
                     LOG.dry('would symlink {} to {}'.format(srcf, dst))
             else:
-                r, _ = run(cmd, raw=False, debug=opts['debug'], checkerr=True)
+                r, _ = run(cmd, raw=False, debug=o.debug, checkerr=True)
                 if not r:
                     LOG.err('importing \"{}\" failed!'.format(path))
                     ret = False
@@ -295,42 +251,42 @@ def cmd_importer(opts, conf, paths):
                 if linktype == LinkTypes.PARENTS:
                     remove(dst)
                     os.symlink(srcf, dst)
-        retconf, dotfile = conf.new(dotfile, opts['profile'],
-                                    link=linktype, debug=opts['debug'])
+        retconf, dotfile = o.conf.new(dotfile, o.profile,
+                                      link=linktype, debug=o.debug)
         if retconf:
             LOG.sub('\"{}\" imported'.format(path))
             cnt += 1
         else:
             LOG.warn('\"{}\" ignored'.format(path))
-    if opts['dry']:
+    if o.dry:
         LOG.dry('new config file would be:')
-        LOG.raw(conf.dump())
+        LOG.raw(o.conf.dump())
     else:
-        conf.save()
+        o.conf.save()
     LOG.log('\n{} file(s) imported.'.format(cnt))
     return ret
 
 
-def cmd_list_profiles(conf):
+def cmd_list_profiles(o):
     """list all profiles"""
     LOG.log('Available profile(s):')
-    for p in conf.get_profiles():
+    for p in o.profiles:
         LOG.sub(p)
     LOG.log('')
 
 
-def cmd_list_files(opts, conf, templateonly=False):
+def cmd_list_files(o):
     """list all dotfiles for a specific profile"""
-    if not opts['profile'] in conf.get_profiles():
-        LOG.warn('unknown profile \"{}\"'.format(opts['profile']))
+    if o.profile not in o.profiles:
+        LOG.warn('unknown profile \"{}\"'.format(o.profile))
         return
     what = 'Dotfile(s)'
-    if templateonly:
+    if o.listfiles_templateonly:
         what = 'Template(s)'
-    LOG.emph('{} for profile \"{}\"\n'.format(what, opts['profile']))
-    for dotfile in conf.get_dotfiles(opts['profile']):
-        if templateonly:
-            src = os.path.join(opts['dotpath'], dotfile.src)
+    LOG.emph('{} for profile \"{}\"\n'.format(what, o.profile))
+    for dotfile in o.dotfiles:
+        if o.listfiles_templateonly:
+            src = os.path.join(o.dotpath, dotfile.src)
             if not Templategen.is_template(src):
                 continue
         LOG.log('{} (src: \"{}\", link: {})'.format(dotfile.key, dotfile.src,
@@ -339,18 +295,18 @@ def cmd_list_files(opts, conf, templateonly=False):
     LOG.log('')
 
 
-def cmd_detail(opts, conf, keys=None):
+def cmd_detail(o):
     """list details on all files for all dotfile entries"""
-    if not opts['profile'] in conf.get_profiles():
-        LOG.warn('unknown profile \"{}\"'.format(opts['profile']))
+    if o.profile not in o.profiles:
+        LOG.warn('unknown profile \"{}\"'.format(o.profile))
         return
-    dotfiles = conf.get_dotfiles(opts['profile'])
-    if keys:
+    dotfiles = o.dotfiles
+    if o.detail_keys:
         # filtered dotfiles to install
-        dotfiles = [d for d in dotfiles if d.key in set(keys)]
-    LOG.emph('dotfiles details for profile \"{}\":\n'.format(opts['profile']))
+        dotfiles = [d for d in dotfiles if d.key in set(o.details_keys)]
+    LOG.emph('dotfiles details for profile \"{}\":\n'.format(o.profile))
     for d in dotfiles:
-        _detail(opts['dotpath'], d)
+        _detail(o.dotpath, d)
     LOG.log('')
 
 
@@ -379,12 +335,6 @@ def _detail(dotpath, dotfile):
                 LOG.sub('{} (template:{})'.format(p, template))
 
 
-def _header():
-    """print the header"""
-    LOG.log(BANNER)
-    LOG.log('')
-
-
 def _select(selections, dotfiles):
     selected = []
     for selection in selections:
@@ -400,16 +350,16 @@ def _select(selections, dotfiles):
     return selected
 
 
-def apply_trans(opts, dotfile):
+def apply_trans(dotpath, dotfile, debug=False):
     """apply the read transformation to the dotfile
     return None if fails and new source if succeed"""
     src = dotfile.src
     new_src = '{}.{}'.format(src, TRANS_SUFFIX)
     trans = dotfile.trans_r
-    if opts['debug']:
+    if debug:
         LOG.dbg('executing transformation {}'.format(trans))
-    s = os.path.join(opts['dotpath'], src)
-    temp = os.path.join(opts['dotpath'], new_src)
+    s = os.path.join(dotpath, src)
+    temp = os.path.join(dotpath, new_src)
     if not trans.transform(s, temp):
         msg = 'transformation \"{}\" failed for {}'
         LOG.err(msg.format(trans.key, dotfile.key))
@@ -426,110 +376,64 @@ def apply_trans(opts, dotfile):
 
 def main():
     """entry point"""
-    ret = True
-    args = docopt(USAGE, version=VERSION)
-
     try:
-        conf = Cfg(os.path.expanduser(args['--cfg']),
-                   debug=args['--verbose'])
+        o = Options()
     except ValueError as e:
         LOG.err('Config format error: {}'.format(str(e)))
         return False
 
-    opts = conf.get_settings()
-    opts['dry'] = args['--dry']
-    opts['profile'] = args['--profile']
-    opts['safe'] = not args['--force']
-    opts['debug'] = args['--verbose']
-    opts['installdiff'] = not args['--nodiff']
-    opts['link'] = LinkTypes.NOLINK
-    if opts['link_by_default']:
-        opts['link'] = LinkTypes.PARENTS
-
-    # Only invert link type from NOLINK to PARENTS and vice-versa
-    if args['--inv-link'] and opts['link'] == LinkTypes.NOLINK:
-        opts['link'] = LinkTypes.PARENTS
-    if args['--inv-link'] and opts['link'] == LinkTypes.PARENTS:
-        opts['link'] = LinkTypes.NOLINK
-
-    opts['variables'] = conf.get_variables(opts['profile'],
-                                           debug=opts['debug'])
-    opts['showdiff'] = opts['showdiff'] or args['--showdiff']
-
-    if opts['debug']:
-        LOG.dbg('config file: {}'.format(args['--cfg']))
-        LOG.dbg('options:\n{}'.format(opts))
-        LOG.dbg('configs:\n{}'.format(conf.dump()))
-
-    # resolve dynamic paths
-    conf.eval_dotfiles(opts['profile'], opts['variables'],
-                       debug=opts['debug'])
-
-    if ENV_NOBANNER not in os.environ \
-            and opts['banner'] \
-            and not args['--no-banner']:
-        _header()
-
+    ret = True
     try:
 
-        if args['list']:
+        if o.cmd_list:
             # list existing profiles
-            if opts['debug']:
+            if o.debug:
                 LOG.dbg('running cmd: list')
-            cmd_list_profiles(conf)
+            cmd_list_profiles(o)
 
-        elif args['listfiles']:
+        elif o.cmd_listfiles:
             # list files for selected profile
-            if opts['debug']:
+            if o.debug:
                 LOG.dbg('running cmd: listfiles')
-            cmd_list_files(opts, conf, templateonly=args['--template'])
+            cmd_list_files(o)
 
-        elif args['install']:
+        elif o.cmd_install:
             # install the dotfiles stored in dotdrop
-            if opts['debug']:
+            if o.debug:
                 LOG.dbg('running cmd: install')
-            ret = cmd_install(opts, conf, temporary=args['--temp'],
-                              keys=args['<key>'])
+            ret = cmd_install(o)
 
-        elif args['compare']:
+        elif o.cmd_compare:
             # compare local dotfiles with dotfiles stored in dotdrop
-            if opts['debug']:
+            if o.debug:
                 LOG.dbg('running cmd: compare')
             tmp = get_tmpdir()
-            opts['dopts'] = args['--dopts']
-            ret = cmd_compare(opts, conf, tmp, focus=args['--file'],
-                              ignore=args['--ignore'])
+            ret = cmd_compare(o, tmp)
             # clean tmp directory
             remove(tmp)
 
-        elif args['import']:
+        elif o.cmd_import:
             # import dotfile(s)
-            if opts['debug']:
+            if o.debug:
                 LOG.dbg('running cmd: import')
-            ret = cmd_importer(opts, conf, args['<path>'])
+            ret = cmd_importer(o)
 
-        elif args['update']:
+        elif o.cmd_update:
             # update a dotfile
-            if opts['debug']:
+            if o.debug:
                 LOG.dbg('running cmd: update')
-            iskey = args['--key']
-            ret = cmd_update(opts, conf, args['<path>'],
-                             iskey=iskey, ignore=args['--ignore'],
-                             showpatch=args['--show-patch'])
+            ret = cmd_update(o)
 
-        elif args['detail']:
+        elif o.cmd_detail:
             # detail files
-            if opts['debug']:
+            if o.debug:
                 LOG.dbg('running cmd: update')
-            cmd_detail(opts, conf, keys=args['<key>'])
+            cmd_detail(o)
 
     except KeyboardInterrupt:
         LOG.err('interrupted')
         ret = False
 
-    if opts['debug']:
-        LOG.dbg('configs:\n{}'.format(conf.dump()))
-
     return ret
 
 
diff --git a/dotdrop/dotfile.py b/dotdrop/dotfile.py
index 0957690..2b3b090 100644
--- a/dotdrop/dotfile.py
+++ b/dotdrop/dotfile.py
@@ -12,8 +12,8 @@ class Dotfile:
 
     def __init__(self, key, dst, src,
                  actions={}, trans_r=None, trans_w=None,
-                 link=LinkTypes.NOLINK, cmpignore=[], noempty=False,
-                 upignore=[]):
+                 link=LinkTypes.NOLINK, cmpignore=[],
+                 noempty=False, upignore=[]):
         """constructor
         @key: dotfile key
         @dst: dotfile dst (in user's home usually)
diff --git a/dotdrop/logger.py b/dotdrop/logger.py
index bccd30e..fec1e07 100644
--- a/dotdrop/logger.py
+++ b/dotdrop/logger.py
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 author: deadc0de6 (https://github.com/deadc0de6)
 Copyright (c) 2017, deadc0de6
 
-provides logging functions
+provide logging functions
 """
 
 import sys
diff --git a/dotdrop/options.py b/dotdrop/options.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..995a6ca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dotdrop/options.py
@@ -0,0 +1,194 @@
+"""
+author: deadc0de6 (https://github.com/deadc0de6)
+Copyright (c) 2017, deadc0de6
+
+stores all options to use across dotdrop
+"""
+
+import os
+import socket
+from docopt import docopt
+
+# local imports
+from dotdrop.version import __version__ as VERSION
+from dotdrop.linktypes import LinkTypes
+from dotdrop.logger import Logger
+from dotdrop.config import Cfg
+
+
+PROFILE = socket.gethostname()
+ENV_PROFILE = 'DOTDROP_PROFILE'
+ENV_NOBANNER = 'DOTDROP_NOBANNER'
+if ENV_PROFILE in os.environ:
+    PROFILE = os.environ[ENV_PROFILE]
+
+BANNER = """     _       _      _
+  __| | ___ | |_ __| |_ __ ___  _ __
+ / _` |/ _ \| __/ _` | '__/ _ \| '_ |
+ \__,_|\___/ \__\__,_|_|  \___/| .__/  v{}
+                               |_|""".format(VERSION)
+
+USAGE = """
+{}
+
+Usage:
+  dotdrop install   [-VbtfndD] [-c <path>] [-p <profile>] [<key>...]
+  dotdrop import    [-Vbld]    [-c <path>] [-p <profile>] <path>...
+  dotdrop compare   [-Vb]      [-c <path>] [-p <profile>]
+                               [-o <opts>] [-C <file>...] [-i <pattern>...]
+  dotdrop update    [-VbfdkP]  [-c <path>] [-p <profile>]
+                               [-i <pattern>...] [<path>...]
+  dotdrop listfiles [-VbT]     [-c <path>] [-p <profile>]
+  dotdrop detail    [-Vb]      [-c <path>] [-p <profile>] [<key>...]
+  dotdrop list      [-Vb]      [-c <path>]
+  dotdrop --help
+  dotdrop --version
+
+Options:
+  -p --profile=<profile>  Specify the profile to use [default: {}].
+  -c --cfg=<path>         Path to the config [default: config.yaml].
+  -C --file=<path>        Path of dotfile to compare.
+  -i --ignore=<pattern>   Pattern to ignore.
+  -o --dopts=<opts>       Diff options [default: ].
+  -n --nodiff             Do not diff when installing.
+  -t --temp               Install to a temporary directory for review.
+  -T --template           Only template dotfiles.
+  -D --showdiff           Show a diff before overwriting.
+  -l --inv-link           Invert the value of "link_by_default" when importing.
+  -P --show-patch         Provide a one-liner to manually patch template.
+  -f --force              Do not warn if exists.
+  -k --key                Treat <path> as a dotfile key.
+  -V --verbose            Be verbose.
+  -d --dry                Dry run.
+  -b --no-banner          Do not display the banner.
+  -v --version            Show version.
+  -h --help               Show this screen.
+
+""".format(BANNER, PROFILE)
+
+
+class AttrMonitor:
+    _set_attr_err = False
+
+    def __setattr__(self, key, value):
+        """monitor attribute setting"""
+        if not hasattr(self, key) and self._set_attr_err:
+            self._attr_change(key)
+        super(AttrMonitor, self).__setattr__(key, value)
+
+    def _attr_set(self, attr):
+        """do something when unexistent attr is set"""
+        pass
+
+
+class Options(AttrMonitor):
+
+    def __init__(self, args=None):
+        """constructor
+        @args: argument dictionary (if None use sys)
+        """
+        self.args = args
+        if not args:
+            self.args = docopt(USAGE, version=VERSION)
+        self.log = Logger()
+        self.debug = self.args['--verbose']
+        self.confpath = os.path.expanduser(self.args['--cfg'])
+        self.log.dbg('config file: {}'.format(self.confpath))
+
+        self._read_config()
+        self._apply_args()
+        self._fill_attr()
+        if ENV_NOBANNER not in os.environ \
+           and self.banner \
+           and not self.args['--no-banner']:
+            self._header()
+        self._print_attr()
+        # start monitoring for bad attribute
+        self._set_attr_err = True
+
+    def _header(self):
+        """print the header"""
+        self.log.log(BANNER)
+        self.log.log('')
+
+    def _read_config(self):
+        """read the config file"""
+        self.conf = Cfg(self.confpath, debug=self.debug)
+        # transform the configs in attribute
+        for k, v in self.conf.get_settings().items():
+            setattr(self, k, v)
+
+    def _apply_args(self):
+        """apply cli args as attribute"""
+        # the commands
+        self.cmd_list = self.args['list']
+        self.cmd_listfiles = self.args['listfiles']
+        self.cmd_install = self.args['install']
+        self.cmd_compare = self.args['compare']
+        self.cmd_import = self.args['import']
+        self.cmd_update = self.args['update']
+        self.cmd_detail = self.args['detail']
+
+        # adapt attributes based on arguments
+        self.dry = self.args['--dry']
+        self.profile = self.args['--profile']
+        self.safe = not self.args['--force']
+        self.link = LinkTypes.NOLINK
+        if self.link_by_default:
+            self.link = LinkTypes.PARENTS
+
+        if self.args['--inv-link']:
+            # Only invert link type from NOLINK to PARENTS and vice-versa
+            if self.link == LinkTypes.NOLINK:
+                self.link = LinkTypes.PARENTS
+            elif self.link == LinkTypes.PARENTS:
+                self.link = LinkTypes.NOLINK
+
+        # "listfiles" specifics
+        self.listfiles_templateonly = self.args['--template']
+        # "install" specifics
+        self.install_temporary = self.args['--temp']
+        self.install_keys = self.args['<key>']
+        self.install_diff = not self.args['--nodiff']
+        self.install_showdiff = self.showdiff or self.args['--showdiff']
+        # "compare" specifics
+        self.compare_dopts = self.args['--dopts']
+        self.compare_focus = self.args['--file']
+        self.compare_ignore = self.args['--ignore']
+        # "import" specifics
+        self.import_path = self.args['<path>']
+        # "update" specifics
+        self.update_path = self.args['<path>']
+        self.update_iskey = self.args['--key']
+        self.update_ignore = self.args['--ignore']
+        self.update_showpatch = self.args['--show-patch']
+        # "detail" specifics
+        self.detail_keys = self.args['<key>']
+
+    def _fill_attr(self):
+        """create attributes from conf"""
+        # variables
+        self.variables = self.conf.get_variables(self.profile,
+                                                 debug=self.debug).copy()
+        # the dotfiles
+        self.dotfiles = self.conf.eval_dotfiles(self.profile, self.variables,
+                                                debug=self.debug).copy()
+        # the profiles
+        self.profiles = self.conf.get_profiles()
+
+    def _print_attr(self):
+        """print all of this class attributes"""
+        if not self.debug:
+            return
+        self.log.dbg('options:')
+        for att in dir(self):
+            if att.startswith('_'):
+                continue
+            val = getattr(self, att)
+            if callable(val):
+                continue
+            self.log.dbg('- {}: \"{}\"'.format(att, val))
+
+    def _attr_set(self, attr):
+        """error when some inexistent attr is set"""
+        raise Exception('bad option: {}'.format(attr))
diff --git a/dotdrop/updater.py b/dotdrop/updater.py
index 9891756..524fe15 100644
--- a/dotdrop/updater.py
+++ b/dotdrop/updater.py
@@ -20,27 +20,23 @@ TILD = '~'
 
 class Updater:
 
-    def __init__(self, conf, dotpath, profile, variables, dry, safe,
-                 iskey=False, debug=False, ignore=[], showpatch=False):
+    def __init__(self, dotpath, dotfiles, variables, dry=False, safe=True,
+                 debug=False, ignore=[], showpatch=False):
         """constructor
-        @conf: configuration
         @dotpath: path where dotfiles are stored
-        @profile: profile selected
+        @dotfiles: dotfiles for this profile
         @variables: dictionary of variables for the templates
         @dry: simulate
         @safe: ask for overwrite if True
-        @iskey: will the update be called on keys or path
         @debug: enable debug
         @ignore: pattern to ignore when updating
         @showpatch: show patch if dotfile to update is a template
         """
-        self.conf = conf
         self.dotpath = dotpath
-        self.profile = profile
+        self.dotfiles = dotfiles
         self.variables = variables
         self.dry = dry
         self.safe = safe
-        self.iskey = iskey
         self.debug = debug
         self.ignore = ignore
         self.showpatch = showpatch
@@ -78,22 +74,22 @@ class Updater:
         if self.debug:
             self.log.dbg('ignore pattern(s): {}'.format(self.ignores))
 
-        left = os.path.expanduser(path)
-        right = os.path.join(self.conf.abs_or_rel(self.dotpath), dotfile.src)
-        right = os.path.expanduser(right)
+        path = os.path.expanduser(path)
+        dtpath = os.path.join(self.dotpath, dotfile.src)
+        dtpath = os.path.expanduser(dtpath)
 
-        if self._ignore([left, right]):
+        if self._ignore([path, dtpath]):
             return True
         if dotfile.trans_w:
             # apply write transformation if any
             new_path = self._apply_trans_w(path, dotfile)
             if not new_path:
                 return False
-            left = new_path
-        if os.path.isdir(left):
-            ret = self._handle_dir(left, right)
+            path = new_path
+        if os.path.isdir(path):
+            ret = self._handle_dir(path, dtpath)
         else:
-            ret = self._handle_file(left, right)
+            ret = self._handle_file(path, dtpath)
         # clean temporary files
         if new_path and os.path.exists(new_path):
             utils.remove(new_path)
@@ -128,7 +124,7 @@ class Updater:
 
     def _get_dotfile_by_key(self, key):
         """get the dotfile matching this key"""
-        dotfiles = self.conf.get_dotfiles(self.profile)
+        dotfiles = self.dotfiles
         subs = [d for d in dotfiles if d.key == key]
         if not subs:
             self.log.err('key \"{}\" not found!'.format(key))
@@ -141,7 +137,7 @@ class Updater:
 
     def _get_dotfile_by_path(self, path):
         """get the dotfile matching this path"""
-        dotfiles = self.conf.get_dotfiles(self.profile)
+        dotfiles = self.dotfiles
         subs = [d for d in dotfiles if d.dst == path]
         if not subs:
             self.log.err('\"{}\" is not managed!'.format(path))
@@ -154,11 +150,13 @@ class Updater:
 
     def _is_template(self, path):
         if not Templategen.is_template(path):
+            if self.debug:
+                self.log.dbg('{} is NO template'.format(path))
             return False
         self.log.warn('{} uses template, update manually'.format(path))
         return True
 
-    def _show_patch(self, tpath, fpath):
+    def _show_patch(self, fpath, tpath):
         """provide a way to manually patch the template"""
         content = self._resolve_template(tpath)
         tmp = utils.write_to_tmpfile(content)
@@ -172,49 +170,49 @@ class Updater:
                         debug=self.debug)
         return t.generate(tpath)
 
-    def _handle_file(self, left, right, compare=True):
-        """sync left (deployed file) and right (dotdrop dotfile)"""
-        if self._ignore([left, right]):
+    def _handle_file(self, path, dtpath, compare=True):
+        """sync path (deployed file) and dtpath (dotdrop dotfile path)"""
+        if self._ignore([path, dtpath]):
             return True
         if self.debug:
-            self.log.dbg('update for file {} and {}'.format(left, right))
-        if self._is_template(right):
+            self.log.dbg('update for file {} and {}'.format(path, dtpath))
+        if self._is_template(dtpath):
             # dotfile is a template
             if self.debug:
-                self.log.dbg('{} is a template'.format(right))
+                self.log.dbg('{} is a template'.format(dtpath))
             if self.showpatch:
-                self._show_patch(right, left)
+                self._show_patch(path, dtpath)
             return False
-        if compare and filecmp.cmp(left, right, shallow=True):
+        if compare and filecmp.cmp(path, dtpath, shallow=True):
             # no difference
             if self.debug:
-                self.log.dbg('identical files: {} and {}'.format(left, right))
+                self.log.dbg('identical files: {} and {}'.format(path, dtpath))
             return True
-        if not self._overwrite(left, right):
+        if not self._overwrite(path, dtpath):
             return False
         try:
             if self.dry:
-                self.log.dry('would cp {} {}'.format(left, right))
+                self.log.dry('would cp {} {}'.format(path, dtpath))
             else:
                 if self.debug:
-                    self.log.dbg('cp {} {}'.format(left, right))
-                shutil.copyfile(left, right)
+                    self.log.dbg('cp {} {}'.format(path, dtpath))
+                shutil.copyfile(path, dtpath)
         except IOError as e:
-            self.log.warn('{} update failed, do manually: {}'.format(left, e))
+            self.log.warn('{} update failed, do manually: {}'.format(path, e))
             return False
         return True
 
-    def _handle_dir(self, left, right):
-        """sync left (deployed dir) and right (dotdrop dir)"""
+    def _handle_dir(self, path, dtpath):
+        """sync path (deployed dir) and dtpath (dotdrop dir path)"""
         if self.debug:
-            self.log.dbg('handle update for dir {} to {}'.format(left, right))
+            self.log.dbg('handle update for dir {} to {}'.format(path, dtpath))
         # paths must be absolute (no tildes)
-        left = os.path.expanduser(left)
-        right = os.path.expanduser(right)
-        if self._ignore([left, right]):
+        path = os.path.expanduser(path)
+        dtpath = os.path.expanduser(dtpath)
+        if self._ignore([path, dtpath]):
             return True
         # find the differences
-        diff = filecmp.dircmp(left, right, ignore=None)
+        diff = filecmp.dircmp(path, dtpath, ignore=None)
         # handle directories diff
         return self._merge_dirs(diff)
 
diff --git a/dotdrop/utils.py b/dotdrop/utils.py
index 55422a0..70b1a61 100644
--- a/dotdrop/utils.py
+++ b/dotdrop/utils.py
@@ -10,8 +10,6 @@ import tempfile
 import os
 import uuid
 import shlex
-import functools
-import operator
 import fnmatch
 from shutil import rmtree
 
diff --git a/scripts/short-to-long-key.py b/scripts/short-to-long-key.py
deleted file mode 100755
index 45dbde0..0000000
--- a/scripts/short-to-long-key.py
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,55 +0,0 @@
-#!/usr/bin/env python3
-"""
-author: deadc0de6 (https://github.com/deadc0de6)
-Copyright (c) 2017, deadc0de6
-
-transform all short dotfile keys
-from the short format to the long
-format
-
-For example ~/.config/awesome/rc.lua
-  short format: f_rc.lua
-  long format:  f_config_awesome_rc.lua
-
-You need to have dotdrop installed for this script
-to work (either with setup.py or pypi).
-"""
-
-from docopt import docopt
-import sys
-import os
-from dotdrop.config import Cfg
-
-
-USAGE = """
-short-to-long-key.py
-
-Usage:
-  short-to-long-key.py <config.yaml>
-  short-to-long-key.py --help
-
-Options:
-  -h --help               Show this screen.
-
-"""
-
-
-def main():
-    args = docopt(USAGE)
-    path = os.path.expanduser(args['<config.yaml>'])
-
-    try:
-
-        conf = Cfg(path)
-    except ValueError as e:
-        print('error: {}'.format(str(e)))
-        return False
-
-    conf.short_to_long()
-    print(conf.dump())
-
-
-if __name__ == '__main__':
-    if main():
-        sys.exit(0)
-    sys.exit(1)
diff --git a/tests-requirements.txt b/tests-requirements.txt
index 3aea72f..2172e29 100644
--- a/tests-requirements.txt
+++ b/tests-requirements.txt
@@ -2,3 +2,4 @@ pycodestyle; python_version >= '3.0'
 nose; python_version >= '3.0'
 coverage; python_version >= '3.0'
 coveralls; python_version >= '3.0'
+pyflakes; python_version >= '3.0'
diff --git a/tests.sh b/tests.sh
index 7a58f99..96d5fe0 100755
--- a/tests.sh
+++ b/tests.sh
@@ -12,6 +12,10 @@ pycodestyle --ignore=W605 dotdrop/
 pycodestyle tests/
 pycodestyle scripts/
 
+# pyflakes tests
+pyflakes dotdrop/
+pyflakes tests/
+
 # retrieve the nosetests binary
 set +e
 nosebin="nosetests"
diff --git a/tests/helpers.py b/tests/helpers.py
index d43bd18..13b712d 100644
--- a/tests/helpers.py
+++ b/tests/helpers.py
@@ -10,9 +10,9 @@ import string
 import random
 import tempfile
 
-from dotdrop.config import Cfg
-from dotdrop.utils import *
+from dotdrop.options import Options
 from dotdrop.linktypes import LinkTypes
+from dotdrop.utils import strip_home
 
 TMPSUFFIX = '.dotdrop'
 
@@ -81,20 +81,56 @@ def create_dir(path):
     return path
 
 
-def load_config(confpath, profile):
+def _fake_args():
+    args = {}
+    args['--verbose'] = False
+    args['--no-banner'] = False
+    args['--dry'] = False
+    args['--force'] = False
+    args['--nodiff'] = False
+    args['--showdiff'] = True
+    args['--inv-link'] = False
+    args['--template'] = False
+    args['--temp'] = False
+    args['<key>'] = []
+    args['--dopts'] = ''
+    args['--file'] = []
+    args['--ignore'] = []
+    args['<path>'] = []
+    args['--key'] = False
+    args['--ignore'] = []
+    args['--show-patch'] = False
+    # cmds
+    args['list'] = False
+    args['listfiles'] = False
+    args['install'] = False
+    args['compare'] = False
+    args['import'] = False
+    args['update'] = False
+    args['detail'] = False
+    return args
+
+
+def load_options(confpath, profile):
     """Load the config file from path"""
-    conf = Cfg(confpath)
-    opts = conf.get_settings()
-    opts['dry'] = False
-    opts['profile'] = profile
-    opts['safe'] = True
-    opts['installdiff'] = True
-    opts['link'] = LinkTypes.NOLINK.value
-    opts['showdiff'] = True
-    opts['debug'] = True
-    opts['dopts'] = ''
-    opts['variables'] = {}
-    return conf, opts
+    # create the fake args (bypass docopt)
+    args = _fake_args()
+    args['--cfg'] = confpath
+    args['--profile'] = profile
+    # and get the options
+    # TODO need to patch options
+    o = Options(args=args)
+    o.profile = profile
+    o.dry = False
+    o.profile = profile
+    o.safe = True
+    o.install_diff = True
+    o.link = LinkTypes.NOLINK.value
+    o.install_showdiff = True
+    o.debug = True
+    o.compare_dopts = ''
+    o.variables = {}
+    return o
 
 
 def get_path_strip_version(path):
diff --git a/tests/test_compare.py b/tests/test_compare.py
index d78cdb0..c336698 100644
--- a/tests/test_compare.py
+++ b/tests/test_compare.py
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ from dotdrop.templategen import Templategen
 
 # from tests.helpers import *
 from tests.helpers import create_dir, get_string, get_tempdir, clean, \
-    create_random_file, create_fake_config, load_config, edit_content
+    create_random_file, create_fake_config, load_options, edit_content
 
 
 class TestCompare(unittest.TestCase):
@@ -26,15 +26,16 @@ class TestCompare(unittest.TestCase):
     CONFIG_DOTPATH = 'dotfiles'
     CONFIG_NAME = 'config.yaml'
 
-    def compare(self, opts, conf, tmp, nbdotfiles):
-        dotfiles = conf.get_dotfiles(opts['profile'])
+    def compare(self, o, tmp, nbdotfiles):
+        dotfiles = o.dotfiles
         self.assertTrue(len(dotfiles) == nbdotfiles)
-        t = Templategen(base=opts['dotpath'], debug=True)
-        inst = Installer(create=opts['create'], backup=opts['backup'],
-                         dry=opts['dry'], base=opts['dotpath'], debug=True)
+        t = Templategen(base=o.dotpath, debug=True)
+        inst = Installer(create=o.create, backup=o.backup,
+                         dry=o.dry, base=o.dotpath, debug=True)
         comp = Comparator()
         results = {}
         for dotfile in dotfiles:
+            path = os.path.expanduser(dotfile.dst)
             ret, insttmp = inst.install_to_temp(t, tmp, dotfile.src,
                                                 dotfile.dst)
             if not ret:
@@ -42,10 +43,6 @@ class TestCompare(unittest.TestCase):
                 continue
             diff = comp.compare(insttmp, dotfile.dst,
                                 ignore=['whatever', 'whatelse'])
-            print('XXXX diff for {} and {}:\n{}'.format(dotfile.src,
-                                                        dotfile.dst,
-                                                        diff))
-            path = os.path.expanduser(dotfile.dst)
             results[path] = diff == ''
         return results
 
@@ -110,32 +107,33 @@ class TestCompare(unittest.TestCase):
                                       backup=self.CONFIG_BACKUP,
                                       create=self.CONFIG_CREATE)
         self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(confpath))
-        conf, opts = load_config(confpath, profile)
-        opts['longkey'] = True
+        o = load_options(confpath, profile)
+        o.longkey = True
         dfiles = [d1, d2, d3, d4, d5, d9]
 
         # import the files
-        cmd_importer(opts, conf, dfiles)
-        conf, opts = load_config(confpath, profile)
+        o.import_path = dfiles
+        cmd_importer(o)
+        o = load_options(confpath, profile)
 
         # compare the files
         expected = {d1: True, d2: True, d3: True, d4: True,
                     d5: True, d9: True}
-        results = self.compare(opts, conf, tmp, len(dfiles))
+        results = self.compare(o, tmp, len(dfiles))
         self.assertTrue(results == expected)
 
         # modify file
         edit_content(d1, get_string(20))
         expected = {d1: False, d2: True, d3: True, d4: True,
                     d5: True, d9: True}
-        results = self.compare(opts, conf, tmp, len(dfiles))
+        results = self.compare(o, tmp, len(dfiles))
         self.assertTrue(results == expected)
 
         # modify binary file
         edit_content(d4, bytes(get_string(20), 'ascii'), binary=True)
         expected = {d1: False, d2: True, d3: True, d4: False,
                     d5: True, d9: True}
-        results = self.compare(opts, conf, tmp, len(dfiles))
+        results = self.compare(o, tmp, len(dfiles))
         self.assertTrue(results == expected)
 
         # add file in directory
@@ -143,7 +141,7 @@ class TestCompare(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(d7))
         expected = {d1: False, d2: True, d3: True, d4: False,
                     d5: False, d9: True}
-        results = self.compare(opts, conf, tmp, len(dfiles))
+        results = self.compare(o, tmp, len(dfiles))
         self.assertTrue(results == expected)
 
         # modify all files
@@ -151,21 +149,23 @@ class TestCompare(unittest.TestCase):
         edit_content(d3, get_string(21))
         expected = {d1: False, d2: False, d3: False, d4: False,
                     d5: False, d9: True}
-        results = self.compare(opts, conf, tmp, len(dfiles))
+        results = self.compare(o, tmp, len(dfiles))
         self.assertTrue(results == expected)
 
         # edit sub file
         edit_content(d9f1, get_string(12))
         expected = {d1: False, d2: False, d3: False, d4: False,
                     d5: False, d9: False}
-        results = self.compare(opts, conf, tmp, len(dfiles))
+        results = self.compare(o, tmp, len(dfiles))
         self.assertTrue(results == expected)
 
         # test compare from dotdrop
-        self.assertFalse(cmd_compare(opts, conf, tmp))
+        self.assertFalse(cmd_compare(o, tmp))
         # test focus
-        self.assertFalse(cmd_compare(opts, conf, tmp, focus=d4))
-        self.assertFalse(cmd_compare(opts, conf, tmp, focus='/tmp/fake'))
+        o.compare_focus = d4
+        self.assertFalse(cmd_compare(o, tmp))
+        o.compare_focus = '/tmp/fake'
+        self.assertFalse(cmd_compare(o, tmp))
 
 
 def main():
diff --git a/tests/test_config.py b/tests/test_config.py
index d92b9f6..460d6c7 100644
--- a/tests/test_config.py
+++ b/tests/test_config.py
@@ -8,11 +8,9 @@ basic unittest for the config parser
 import unittest
 import os
 import yaml
-import tempfile
-import shutil
 
 from dotdrop.config import Cfg
-from tests.helpers import *
+from tests.helpers import get_tempdir, clean, create_fake_config
 
 
 class TestConfig(unittest.TestCase):
@@ -88,16 +86,15 @@ class TestConfig(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertTrue(conf is not None)
 
         # test profile
-        opts = conf.get_settings()
         profiles = conf.get_profiles()
         self.assertTrue(pf1key in profiles)
         self.assertTrue(pf2key in profiles)
 
         # test dotfiles
-        dotfiles = conf.get_dotfiles(pf1key)
+        dotfiles = conf._get_dotfiles(pf1key)
         self.assertTrue(df1key in [x.key for x in dotfiles])
         self.assertTrue(df2key in [x.key for x in dotfiles])
-        dotfiles = conf.get_dotfiles(pf2key)
+        dotfiles = conf._get_dotfiles(pf2key)
         self.assertTrue(df1key in [x.key for x in dotfiles])
         self.assertFalse(df2key in [x.key for x in dotfiles])
 
diff --git a/tests/test_import.py b/tests/test_import.py
index f72fb86..57b370b 100644
--- a/tests/test_import.py
+++ b/tests/test_import.py
@@ -12,11 +12,13 @@ import yaml
 from dotdrop.dotdrop import cmd_importer
 from dotdrop.dotdrop import cmd_list_profiles
 from dotdrop.dotdrop import cmd_list_files
-from dotdrop.dotdrop import _header
 from dotdrop.dotdrop import cmd_update
-from dotdrop.config import Cfg
+from dotdrop.linktypes import LinkTypes
 
-from tests.helpers import *
+from tests.helpers import get_path_strip_version, edit_content, \
+                          load_options, create_random_file, \
+                          clean, get_string, get_dotfile_from_yaml, \
+                          get_tempdir, create_fake_config, create_dir
 
 
 class TestImport(unittest.TestCase):
@@ -34,11 +36,11 @@ class TestImport(unittest.TestCase):
             content = yaml.load(f)
         return content
 
-    def assert_file(self, path, conf, profile):
+    def assert_file(self, path, o, profile):
         """Make sure path has been inserted in conf for profile"""
         strip = get_path_strip_version(path)
-        self.assertTrue(strip in [x.src for x in conf.get_dotfiles(profile)])
-        dsts = [os.path.expanduser(x.dst) for x in conf.get_dotfiles(profile)]
+        self.assertTrue(strip in [x.src for x in o.dotfiles])
+        dsts = [os.path.expanduser(x.dst) for x in o.dotfiles]
         self.assertTrue(path in dsts)
 
     def assert_in_yaml(self, path, dic, link=False):
@@ -69,7 +71,7 @@ class TestImport(unittest.TestCase):
                                       backup=self.CONFIG_BACKUP,
                                       create=self.CONFIG_CREATE)
         self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(confpath))
-        conf, opts = load_config(confpath, profile)
+        o = load_options(confpath, profile)
 
         # create some random dotfiles
         dotfile1, content1 = create_random_file(src)
@@ -107,25 +109,27 @@ class TestImport(unittest.TestCase):
 
         # import the dotfiles
         dfiles = [dotfile1, dotfile2, dotfile3, dotfile4, dotfile5]
-        cmd_importer(opts, conf, dfiles)
+        o.import_path = dfiles
+        cmd_importer(o)
         # import symlink
-        opts[Cfg.key_dotfiles_link] = True
+        o.link = LinkTypes.PARENTS
         sfiles = [dotfile6, dotfile7]
-        cmd_importer(opts, conf, sfiles)
-        opts[Cfg.key_dotfiles_link] = False
+        o.import_path = sfiles
+        cmd_importer(o)
+        o.link = LinkTypes.NOLINK
 
         # reload the config
-        conf, opts = load_config(confpath, profile)
+        o = load_options(confpath, profile)
 
         # test dotfiles in config class
-        self.assertTrue(profile in conf.get_profiles())
-        self.assert_file(dotfile1, conf, profile)
-        self.assert_file(dotfile2, conf, profile)
-        self.assert_file(dotfile3, conf, profile)
-        self.assert_file(dotfile4, conf, profile)
-        self.assert_file(dotfile5, conf, profile)
-        self.assert_file(dotfile6, conf, profile)
-        self.assert_file(dotfile7, conf, profile)
+        self.assertTrue(profile in o.profiles)
+        self.assert_file(dotfile1, o, profile)
+        self.assert_file(dotfile2, o, profile)
+        self.assert_file(dotfile3, o, profile)
+        self.assert_file(dotfile4, o, profile)
+        self.assert_file(dotfile5, o, profile)
+        self.assert_file(dotfile6, o, profile)
+        self.assert_file(dotfile7, o, profile)
 
         # test dotfiles in yaml file
         y = self.load_yaml(confpath)
@@ -193,15 +197,15 @@ class TestImport(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertTrue(os.path.islink(dotfile7))
         self.assertTrue(os.path.realpath(dotfile7) == indt7)
 
-        cmd_list_profiles(conf)
-        cmd_list_files(opts, conf)
-        _header()
+        cmd_list_profiles(o)
+        cmd_list_files(o)
 
         # fake test update
         editcontent = 'edited'
         edit_content(dotfile1, editcontent)
-        opts['safe'] = False
-        cmd_update(opts, conf, [dotfile1])
+        o.safe = False
+        o.update_path = [dotfile1]
+        cmd_update(o)
         c2 = open(indt1, 'r').read()
         self.assertTrue(editcontent == c2)
 
diff --git a/tests/test_install.py b/tests/test_install.py
index 0d3b4a5..158e413 100644
--- a/tests/test_install.py
+++ b/tests/test_install.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ import filecmp
 
 from dotdrop.config import Cfg
 from tests.helpers import create_dir, get_string, get_tempdir, clean, \
-    create_random_file, load_config
+    create_random_file, load_options
 from dotdrop.dotfile import Dotfile
 from dotdrop.installer import Installer
 from dotdrop.action import Action
@@ -181,12 +181,12 @@ exec bspwm
         self.assertTrue(conf is not None)
 
         # install them
-        conf, opts = load_config(confpath, profile)
-        opts['safe'] = False
-        opts['debug'] = True
-        opts['showdiff'] = True
-        opts['variables'] = {}
-        cmd_install(opts, conf)
+        o = load_options(confpath, profile)
+        o.safe = False
+        o.debug = True
+        o.install_showdiff = True
+        o.variables = {}
+        cmd_install(o)
 
         # now compare the generated files
         self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(dst1))
@@ -233,7 +233,7 @@ exec bspwm
         self.assertTrue(tempcontent == header())
 
     def test_link_children(self):
-
+        """test the link children"""
         # create source dir
         src_dir = get_tempdir()
         self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(src_dir))
@@ -257,6 +257,7 @@ exec bspwm
             self.assertEqual(os.path.realpath(dst), src)
 
     def test_fails_without_src(self):
+        """test fails without src"""
         src = '/some/non/existant/file'
 
         installer = Installer()
@@ -272,7 +273,7 @@ exec bspwm
                                   .format(src))
 
     def test_fails_when_src_file(self):
-
+        """test fails when src file"""
         # create source dir
         src_dir = get_tempdir()
         self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(src_dir))
@@ -296,6 +297,7 @@ exec bspwm
                                   .format(src))
 
     def test_creates_dst(self):
+        """test creates dst"""
         src_dir = get_tempdir()
         self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(src_dir))
         self.addCleanup(clean, src_dir)
@@ -316,7 +318,7 @@ exec bspwm
         self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(dst_dir))
 
     def test_prompts_to_replace_dst(self):
-
+        """test prompts to replace dst"""
         # create source dir
         src_dir = get_tempdir()
         self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(src_dir))
@@ -354,7 +356,7 @@ exec bspwm
 
     @patch('dotdrop.installer.Templategen')
     def test_runs_templater(self, mocked_templategen):
-
+        """test runs templater"""
         # create source dir
         src_dir = get_tempdir()
         self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(src_dir))
diff --git a/tests/test_listings.py b/tests/test_listings.py
index 33d7291..e07c5a5 100644
--- a/tests/test_listings.py
+++ b/tests/test_listings.py
@@ -7,15 +7,15 @@ basic unittest for the compare function
 
 import unittest
 import os
-import yaml
 
-from dotdrop.config import Cfg
 from dotdrop.dotdrop import cmd_list_profiles
 from dotdrop.dotdrop import cmd_list_files
 from dotdrop.dotdrop import cmd_detail
 from dotdrop.dotdrop import cmd_importer
 
-from tests.helpers import *
+from tests.helpers import create_dir, get_string, get_tempdir, \
+                          create_random_file, load_options, \
+                          create_fake_config, clean
 
 
 class TestListings(unittest.TestCase):
@@ -74,22 +74,26 @@ class TestListings(unittest.TestCase):
                                       backup=self.CONFIG_BACKUP,
                                       create=self.CONFIG_CREATE)
         self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(confpath))
-        conf, opts = load_config(confpath, profile)
+        o = load_options(confpath, profile)
         dfiles = [d1, d2, d3, d4, d5]
 
         # import the files
-        cmd_importer(opts, conf, dfiles)
-        conf, opts = load_config(confpath, profile)
+        o.import_path = dfiles
+        cmd_importer(o)
+        o = load_options(confpath, profile)
 
         # listfiles
-        cmd_list_profiles(conf)
+        cmd_list_profiles(o)
 
         # list files
-        cmd_list_files(opts, conf, templateonly=False)
-        cmd_list_files(opts, conf, templateonly=True)
+        o.listfiles_templateonly = False
+        cmd_list_files(o)
+        o.listfiles_templateonly = True
+        cmd_list_files(o)
 
         # details
-        cmd_detail(opts, conf, keys=None)
+        o.detail_keys = None
+        cmd_detail(o)
 
 
 def main():
diff --git a/tests/test_update.py b/tests/test_update.py
index d7d0070..ba994e0 100644
--- a/tests/test_update.py
+++ b/tests/test_update.py
@@ -10,9 +10,10 @@ import os
 
 from dotdrop.dotdrop import cmd_update
 from dotdrop.dotdrop import cmd_importer
+from dotdrop.action import Transform
 
 from tests.helpers import create_dir, get_string, get_tempdir, clean, \
-    create_random_file, create_fake_config, load_config, edit_content
+    create_random_file, create_fake_config, load_options, edit_content
 
 
 class TestUpdate(unittest.TestCase):
@@ -53,6 +54,31 @@ class TestUpdate(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(d2))
         self.addCleanup(clean, d2)
 
+        # template
+        d3t, c3t = create_random_file(fold_config)
+        self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(d3t))
+        self.addCleanup(clean, d3t)
+
+        # sub dirs
+        dsubstmp = get_tempdir()
+        self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(dsubstmp))
+        self.addCleanup(clean, dsubstmp)
+        dirsubs = os.path.basename(dsubstmp)
+
+        dir1string = 'somedir'
+        dir1 = os.path.join(dsubstmp, dir1string)
+        create_dir(dir1)
+        dir1sub1str = 'sub1'
+        sub1 = os.path.join(dir1, dir1sub1str)
+        create_dir(sub1)
+        dir1sub2str = 'sub2'
+        sub2 = os.path.join(dir1, dir1sub2str)
+        create_dir(sub2)
+        f1s1, f1s1c1 = create_random_file(sub1)
+        self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(f1s1))
+        f1s2, f1s2c1 = create_random_file(sub2)
+        self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(f1s2))
+
         # create the directory to test
         dpath = os.path.join(fold_config, get_string(5))
         dir1 = create_dir(dpath)
@@ -67,12 +93,47 @@ class TestUpdate(unittest.TestCase):
                                       backup=self.CONFIG_BACKUP,
                                       create=self.CONFIG_CREATE)
         self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(confpath))
-        conf, opts = load_config(confpath, profile)
-        dfiles = [d1, dir1, d2]
+        o = load_options(confpath, profile)
+        o.debug = True
+        o.update_showpatch = True
+        dfiles = [d1, dir1, d2, d3t, dsubstmp]
 
         # import the files
-        cmd_importer(opts, conf, dfiles)
-        conf, opts = load_config(confpath, profile)
+        o.import_path = dfiles
+        cmd_importer(o)
+
+        # get new config
+        o = load_options(confpath, profile)
+        o.safe = False
+        o.debug = True
+        o.update_showpatch = True
+        trans = Transform('trans', 'cp -r {0} {1}')
+        d3tb = os.path.basename(d3t)
+        for dotfile in o.dotfiles:
+            if os.path.basename(dotfile.dst) == d3tb:
+                # patch the template
+                src = os.path.join(o.dotpath, dotfile.src)
+                src = os.path.expanduser(src)
+                edit_content(src, '{{@@ profile @@}}')
+            if os.path.basename(dotfile.dst) == dirsubs:
+                # retrieve the path of the sub in the dotpath
+                d1indotpath = os.path.join(o.dotpath, dotfile.src)
+                d1indotpath = os.path.expanduser(d1indotpath)
+            dotfile.trans_w = trans
+
+        # update template
+        o.update_path = [d3t]
+        self.assertFalse(cmd_update(o))
+
+        # update sub dirs
+        gone = os.path.join(d1indotpath, dir1string)
+        gone = os.path.join(gone, dir1sub1str)
+        self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(gone))
+        clean(sub1)  # dir1sub1str
+        self.assertTrue(os.path.exists(gone))
+        o.update_path = [dsubstmp]
+        cmd_update(o)
+        self.assertFalse(os.path.exists(gone))
 
         # edit the files
         edit_content(d1, 'newcontent')
@@ -87,9 +148,8 @@ class TestUpdate(unittest.TestCase):
         create_random_file(dpath)
 
         # update it
-        opts['safe'] = False
-        opts['debug'] = True
-        cmd_update(opts, conf, [d1, dir1])
+        o.update_path = [d1, dir1]
+        cmd_update(o)
 
         # test content
         newcontent = open(d1, 'r').read()
@@ -100,7 +160,7 @@ class TestUpdate(unittest.TestCase):
         edit_content(d2, 'newcontentbykey')
 
         # update it by key
-        dfiles = conf.get_dotfiles(profile)
+        dfiles = o.dotfiles
         d2key = ''
         for ds in dfiles:
             t = os.path.expanduser(ds.dst)
@@ -108,9 +168,9 @@ class TestUpdate(unittest.TestCase):
                 d2key = ds.key
                 break
         self.assertTrue(d2key != '')
-        opts['safe'] = False
-        opts['debug'] = True
-        cmd_update(opts, conf, [d2key], iskey=True)
+        o.update_path = [d2key]
+        o.update_iskey = True
+        cmd_update(o)
 
         # test content
         newcontent = open(d2, 'r').read()