MacOS, command line response "unknown option: --version"

On my macbook pro running MacOS Mojave 10.14.2, I get the following command line response with Arduino IDE version 1.8.3 installed:

command:  /Applications/Arduino.app/Contents/MacOS/Arduino --verbose --version
response: Error: unknown option: --version

--version should be available according to the man page:

However, I'm able to successfully compile my sketch:

command:  /Applications/Arduino.app/Contents/MacOS/Arduino --verbose --verify <pathtosketch.ino>

I'm writing a script for an uninitiated user to upload a sketch over USB, without me being present. The user has a laptop that has successfully uploaded sketches before; it has python 2.7 installed; but I'm otherwise not sure of its configuration. The --version response will be the first item in the script's log file.

P.S. I was a little surprised that the --verbose --verify output did not include the IDE version.

You're using an outdated version of the Arduino IDE. --version wasn't added until Arduino IDE 1.8.6.

The documentation you're referring to is for the IDE at the latest state of development (e.g. Arduino IDE Hourly Build). If you want documentation specific to your old IDE version, you must view the repository at that tag:

Thanks, That explains it.

You're welcome. I'm glad if I was able to be of assistance. Enjoy!
Per