diff --git a/src/sirocco/parsing/_yaml_data_models.py b/src/sirocco/parsing/_yaml_data_models.py
index 976f7fa..e48bf1b 100644
--- a/src/sirocco/parsing/_yaml_data_models.py
+++ b/src/sirocco/parsing/_yaml_data_models.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
 import time
-from dataclasses import dataclass
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field
 from datetime import datetime
 from pathlib import Path
 from typing import Annotated, Any, ClassVar, Literal
@@ -82,43 +82,6 @@ def convert_datetime(cls, value) -> datetime:
         return datetime.fromisoformat(value)
 
 
-class _CliArgsBaseModel(BaseModel):
-    """Base class for cli_arguments specifications"""
-
-    # TODO: Even allow for `str`, or always require list?
-    positional: str | list[str] | None = None
-    # Field needed for child class doing pydantic parsing
-    keyword: dict[str, str] | None = Field(default_factory=dict)
-    flags: str | list[str] | None = None
-    source_file: str | list[str] | None = None
-
-    # TODO: Should we allow users to pass it without the hyphen(s), and prepend them automatically?
-    # TODO: While convenient, it could be a bad idea, if users put in wrong things. Better to be explicit.
-    @field_validator("keyword", mode="before")
-    @classmethod
-    def validate_keyword_args(cls, value):
-        """Ensure keyword arguments start with '-' or '--'."""
-        if value is not None:
-            invalid_keys = [key for key in value if not key.startswith(("-", "--"))]
-            if invalid_keys:
-                invalid_kwarg_exc = f"Invalid keyword arguments: {', '.join(invalid_keys)}"
-                raise ValueError(invalid_kwarg_exc)
-        return value
-
-    @field_validator("flags", mode="before")
-    @classmethod
-    def validate_flag_args(cls, value):
-        """Ensure positional arguments start with '-' or '--'."""
-        if value is not None:
-            if isinstance(value, str):
-                value = [value]
-            invalid_flags = [arg for arg in value if not arg.startswith(("-", "--"))]
-            if invalid_flags:
-                invalid_flags_exc = f"Invalid positional arguments: {', '.join(invalid_flags)}"
-                raise ValueError(invalid_flags_exc)
-        return value
-
-
 class TargetNodesBaseModel(_NamedBaseModel):
     """class for targeting other task or data nodes in the graph
 
@@ -306,16 +269,109 @@ class ConfigRootTask(ConfigBaseTask):
     plugin: ClassVar[Literal["_root"]] = "_root"
 
 
+# By using a frozen class we only need to validate on initialization
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class ShellCliArgument:
+    """A holder for a CLI argument to simplify access.
+
+    Stores CLI arguments of the form "file", "--init", "{file}" or "{--init file}". These examples translate into
+    ShellCliArguments ShellCliArgument(name="file", references_data_item=False, cli_option_of_data_item=None),
+    ShellCliArgument(name="--init", references_data_item=False, cli_option_of_data_item=None),
+    ShellCliArgument(name="file", references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item=None),
+    ShellCliArgument(name="file", references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item="--init")
+
+    Attributes:
+        name: Name of the argument. For the examples it is "file", "--init", "file" and "file"
+        references_data_item: Specifies if the argument references a data item signified by enclosing it by curly
+            brackets.
+        cli_option_of_data_item: The CLI option associated to the data item.
+    """
+
+    name: str
+    references_data_item: bool
+    cli_option_of_data_item: str | None = None
+
+    def __post_init__(self):
+        if self.cli_option_of_data_item is not None and not self.references_data_item:
+            msg = "data_item_option cannot be not None if cli_option_of_data_item is False"
+            raise ValueError(msg)
+
+    @classmethod
+    def from_cli_argument(cls, arg: str) -> ShellCliArgument:
+        len_arg_with_option = 2
+        len_arg_no_option = 1
+        references_data_item = arg.startswith("{") and arg.endswith("}")
+        # remove curly brackets "{--init file}" -> "--init file"
+        arg_unwrapped = arg[1:-1] if arg.startswith("{") and arg.endswith("}") else arg
+
+        # "--init file" -> ["--init", "file"]
+        input_arg = arg_unwrapped.split()
+        if len(input_arg) != len_arg_with_option and len(input_arg) != len_arg_no_option:
+            msg = f"Expected argument of format {{data}} or {{option data}} but found {arg}"
+            raise ValueError(msg)
+        name = input_arg[0] if len(input_arg) == len_arg_no_option else input_arg[1]
+        cli_option_of_data_item = input_arg[0] if len(input_arg) == len_arg_with_option else None
+        return cls(name, references_data_item, cli_option_of_data_item)
+
+
 @dataclass
 class ConfigShellTaskSpecs:
     plugin: ClassVar[Literal["shell"]] = "shell"
     command: str = ""
-    cli_arguments: _CliArgsBaseModel | None = None
+    cli_arguments: list[ShellCliArgument] = field(default_factory=list)
+    env_source_files: list[str] = field(default_factory=list)
     src: str | None = None
 
 
 class ConfigShellTask(ConfigBaseTask, ConfigShellTaskSpecs):
-    pass
+    command: str = ""
+    cli_arguments: list[ShellCliArgument] = Field(default_factory=list)
+    env_source_files: list[str] = Field(default_factory=list)
+
+    @field_validator("cli_arguments", mode="before")
+    @classmethod
+    def validate_cli_arguments(cls, value: str) -> list[ShellCliArgument]:
+        return cls.parse_cli_arguments(value)
+
+    @field_validator("env_source_files", mode="before")
+    @classmethod
+    def validate_env_source_files(cls, value: str | list[str]) -> list[str]:
+        return [value] if isinstance(value, str) else value
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def split_cli_arguments(cli_arguments: str) -> list[str]:
+        """Splits the CLI arguments into a list of separate entities.
+
+        Splits the CLI arguments by whitespaces except if the whitespace is contained within curly brackets. For example
+        the string
+        "-D --CMAKE_CXX_COMPILER=${CXX_COMPILER} {--init file}"
+        will be splitted into the list
+        ["-D", "--CMAKE_CXX_COMPILER=${CXX_COMPILER}", "{--init file}"]
+        """
+
+        nb_open_curly_brackets = 0
+        last_split_idx = 0
+        splits = []
+        for i, char in enumerate(cli_arguments):
+            if char == " " and not nb_open_curly_brackets:
+                # we ommit the space in the splitting therefore we only store up to i but move the last_split_idx to i+1
+                splits.append(cli_arguments[last_split_idx:i])
+                last_split_idx = i + 1
+            elif char == "{":
+                nb_open_curly_brackets += 1
+            elif char == "}":
+                if nb_open_curly_brackets == 0:
+                    msg = "Invalid input for cli_arguments. Found a closing curly bracket before an opening in {cli_argumentss!r}"
+                    raise ValueError(msg)
+                nb_open_curly_brackets -= 1
+
+        if last_split_idx != len(cli_arguments):
+            splits.append(cli_arguments[last_split_idx : len(cli_arguments)])
+        return splits
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def parse_cli_arguments(cli_arguments: str) -> list[ShellCliArgument]:
+        return [ShellCliArgument.from_cli_argument(arg) for arg in ConfigShellTask.split_cli_arguments(cli_arguments)]
 
 
 @dataclass
@@ -341,6 +397,9 @@ class ConfigBaseData(_NamedBaseModel, ConfigBaseDataSpecs):
     """
 
     parameters: list[str] = []
+    type: str | None = None
+    src: str | None = None
+    format: str | None = None
 
     @field_validator("type")
     @classmethod
diff --git a/tests/cases/large/config/test_config_large.yml b/tests/cases/large/config/test_config_large.yml
index 05c261b..8922879 100644
--- a/tests/cases/large/config/test_config_large.yml
+++ b/tests/cases/large/config/test_config_large.yml
@@ -62,11 +62,7 @@ tasks:
   - extpar:
       plugin: shell  # no extpar plugin available yet
       command: $PWD/examples/files/scripts/extpar
-      cli_arguments:
-        keyword:
-          --input: obs_data
-        flags:
-          - --verbose
+      cli_arguments: "--verbose {--input obs_data}"
       uenv:
         squashfs: path/to/squashfs
         mount_point: runtime/mount/point
@@ -75,13 +71,8 @@ tasks:
   - preproc:
       plugin: shell
       command: $PWD/examples/files/scripts/cleanup.sh
-      cli_arguments:
-        positional:
-          - grid_file
-        keyword:
-          -p: extpar_file
-          -e: ERA5
-        source_file: dummy_source_file
+      cli_arguments: "{-p extpar_file} {-e ERA5} {grid_file}"
+      env_source_files: $PWD/examples/files/data/dummy_source_file.sh
       nodes: 4
       walltime: 00:02:00
       uenv:
@@ -90,10 +81,7 @@ tasks:
   - icon:
       plugin: icon
       command: $PWD/examples/files/scripts/icon
-      cli_arguments:
-        keyword:
-          -g: grid_file
-          --input: icon_input
+      cli_arguments: "{-g grid_file} {--input icon_input}"
       nodes: 40
       walltime: 23:59:59
       namelists:
@@ -105,9 +93,7 @@ tasks:
   - postproc_1:
       plugin: shell
       command: $PWD/examples/files/scripts/main_script_ocn.sh
-      cli_arguments:
-        keyword:
-          --input: stream_1
+      cli_arguments: "{--input stream_1}"
       nodes: 2
       walltime: 00:05:00
       uenv:
@@ -116,12 +102,7 @@ tasks:
   - postproc_2:
       plugin: shell
       command: $PWD/examples/files/scripts/main_script_atm.sh
-      cli_arguments:
-        keyword:
-          --input: stream_2
-          # `arg_option` should be in `tasks` section instead
-          # How to implement this? Even needed with keyword-arguments?
-          # arg_option: --input
+      cli_arguments: "{--input stream_2}"
       nodes: 2
       walltime: 00:05:00
       src: path/to/src/dir
@@ -131,19 +112,13 @@ tasks:
   - store_and_clean_1:
       plugin: shell
       command: $PWD/examples/files/scripts/post_clean.sh
-      cli_arguments:
-        keyword:
-          --input: postout_1
-          --stream: stream_1
-          --icon_input: icon_input
+      cli_arguments: "{--input postout_1} {--stream stream_1} {--icon_input icon_input}"
       nodes: 1
       walltime: 00:01:00
   - store_and_clean_2:
       plugin: shell
       command: $PWD/examples/files/scripts/post_clean.sh
-      cli_arguments:
-        keyword:
-          --input: postout_2
+      cli_arguments: "{--input postout_2}"
       nodes: 1
       walltime: 00:01:00
 data:
@@ -157,9 +132,6 @@ data:
     - ERA5:
         type: file
         src: $PWD/examples/files/data/era5
-    - dummy_source_file:
-        type: file
-        src: $PWD/examples/files/data/dummy_source_file.sh
   generated:
     - extpar_file:
         type: file
diff --git a/tests/cases/large/data/test_config_large.txt b/tests/cases/large/data/test_config_large.txt
index 24445df..889fcd2 100644
--- a/tests/cases/large/data/test_config_large.txt
+++ b/tests/cases/large/data/test_config_large.txt
@@ -13,7 +13,8 @@ cycles:
             walltime: time.struct_time(tm_year=1900, tm_mon=1, tm_mday=1, tm_hour=0, tm_min=2, tm_sec=0, tm_wday=0, tm_yday=1, tm_isdst=-1)
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/extpar'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'obs_data'} flags=['--verbose'] source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='--verbose', references_data_item=False, cli_option_of_data_item=None), ShellCliArgument(name='obs_data', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input')]
+            env source files: []
   - icon_bimonthly [date: 2025-01-01 00:00:00]:
       tasks:
         - preproc [date: 2025-01-01 00:00:00]:
@@ -32,7 +33,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/cleanup.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=['grid_file'] keyword={'-p': 'extpar_file', '-e': 'ERA5'} flags=None source_file='dummy_source_file'
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='extpar_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-p'), ShellCliArgument(name='ERA5', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-e'), ShellCliArgument(name='grid_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item=None)]
+            env source files: ['$PWD/examples/files/data/dummy_source_file.sh']
         - icon [date: 2025-01-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - grid_file
@@ -64,7 +66,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/main_script_ocn.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'stream_1'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input')]
+            env source files: []
         - store_and_clean_1 [date: 2025-01-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - postout_1 [date: 2025-01-01 00:00:00]
@@ -80,7 +83,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/post_clean.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'postout_1', '--stream': 'stream_1', '--icon_input': 'icon_input'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='postout_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input'), ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--stream'), ShellCliArgument(name='icon_input', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--icon_input')]
+            env source files: []
   - icon_bimonthly [date: 2025-03-01 00:00:00]:
       tasks:
         - preproc [date: 2025-03-01 00:00:00]:
@@ -99,7 +103,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/cleanup.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=['grid_file'] keyword={'-p': 'extpar_file', '-e': 'ERA5'} flags=None source_file='dummy_source_file'
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='extpar_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-p'), ShellCliArgument(name='ERA5', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-e'), ShellCliArgument(name='grid_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item=None)]
+            env source files: ['$PWD/examples/files/data/dummy_source_file.sh']
         - icon [date: 2025-03-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - grid_file
@@ -132,7 +137,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/main_script_ocn.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'stream_1'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input')]
+            env source files: []
         - store_and_clean_1 [date: 2025-03-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - postout_1 [date: 2025-03-01 00:00:00]
@@ -148,7 +154,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/post_clean.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'postout_1', '--stream': 'stream_1', '--icon_input': 'icon_input'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='postout_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input'), ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--stream'), ShellCliArgument(name='icon_input', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--icon_input')]
+            env source files: []
   - icon_bimonthly [date: 2025-05-01 00:00:00]:
       tasks:
         - preproc [date: 2025-05-01 00:00:00]:
@@ -169,7 +176,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/cleanup.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=['grid_file'] keyword={'-p': 'extpar_file', '-e': 'ERA5'} flags=None source_file='dummy_source_file'
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='extpar_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-p'), ShellCliArgument(name='ERA5', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-e'), ShellCliArgument(name='grid_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item=None)]
+            env source files: ['$PWD/examples/files/data/dummy_source_file.sh']
         - icon [date: 2025-05-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - grid_file
@@ -202,7 +210,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/main_script_ocn.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'stream_1'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input')]
+            env source files: []
         - store_and_clean_1 [date: 2025-05-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - postout_1 [date: 2025-05-01 00:00:00]
@@ -218,7 +227,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/post_clean.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'postout_1', '--stream': 'stream_1', '--icon_input': 'icon_input'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='postout_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input'), ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--stream'), ShellCliArgument(name='icon_input', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--icon_input')]
+            env source files: []
   - icon_bimonthly [date: 2025-07-01 00:00:00]:
       tasks:
         - preproc [date: 2025-07-01 00:00:00]:
@@ -239,7 +249,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/cleanup.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=['grid_file'] keyword={'-p': 'extpar_file', '-e': 'ERA5'} flags=None source_file='dummy_source_file'
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='extpar_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-p'), ShellCliArgument(name='ERA5', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-e'), ShellCliArgument(name='grid_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item=None)]
+            env source files: ['$PWD/examples/files/data/dummy_source_file.sh']
         - icon [date: 2025-07-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - grid_file
@@ -272,7 +283,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/main_script_ocn.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'stream_1'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input')]
+            env source files: []
         - store_and_clean_1 [date: 2025-07-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - postout_1 [date: 2025-07-01 00:00:00]
@@ -288,7 +300,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/post_clean.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'postout_1', '--stream': 'stream_1', '--icon_input': 'icon_input'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='postout_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input'), ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--stream'), ShellCliArgument(name='icon_input', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--icon_input')]
+            env source files: []
   - icon_bimonthly [date: 2025-09-01 00:00:00]:
       tasks:
         - preproc [date: 2025-09-01 00:00:00]:
@@ -309,7 +322,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/cleanup.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=['grid_file'] keyword={'-p': 'extpar_file', '-e': 'ERA5'} flags=None source_file='dummy_source_file'
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='extpar_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-p'), ShellCliArgument(name='ERA5', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-e'), ShellCliArgument(name='grid_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item=None)]
+            env source files: ['$PWD/examples/files/data/dummy_source_file.sh']
         - icon [date: 2025-09-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - grid_file
@@ -342,7 +356,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/main_script_ocn.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'stream_1'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input')]
+            env source files: []
         - store_and_clean_1 [date: 2025-09-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - postout_1 [date: 2025-09-01 00:00:00]
@@ -358,7 +373,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/post_clean.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'postout_1', '--stream': 'stream_1', '--icon_input': 'icon_input'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='postout_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input'), ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--stream'), ShellCliArgument(name='icon_input', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--icon_input')]
+            env source files: []
   - icon_bimonthly [date: 2025-11-01 00:00:00]:
       tasks:
         - preproc [date: 2025-11-01 00:00:00]:
@@ -379,7 +395,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/cleanup.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=['grid_file'] keyword={'-p': 'extpar_file', '-e': 'ERA5'} flags=None source_file='dummy_source_file'
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='extpar_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-p'), ShellCliArgument(name='ERA5', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-e'), ShellCliArgument(name='grid_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item=None)]
+            env source files: ['$PWD/examples/files/data/dummy_source_file.sh']
         - icon [date: 2025-11-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - grid_file
@@ -412,7 +429,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/main_script_ocn.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'stream_1'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input')]
+            env source files: []
         - store_and_clean_1 [date: 2025-11-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - postout_1 [date: 2025-11-01 00:00:00]
@@ -428,7 +446,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/post_clean.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'postout_1', '--stream': 'stream_1', '--icon_input': 'icon_input'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='postout_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input'), ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--stream'), ShellCliArgument(name='icon_input', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--icon_input')]
+            env source files: []
   - icon_bimonthly [date: 2026-01-01 00:00:00]:
       tasks:
         - preproc [date: 2026-01-01 00:00:00]:
@@ -449,7 +468,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/cleanup.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=['grid_file'] keyword={'-p': 'extpar_file', '-e': 'ERA5'} flags=None source_file='dummy_source_file'
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='extpar_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-p'), ShellCliArgument(name='ERA5', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-e'), ShellCliArgument(name='grid_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item=None)]
+            env source files: ['$PWD/examples/files/data/dummy_source_file.sh']
         - icon [date: 2026-01-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - grid_file
@@ -482,7 +502,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/main_script_ocn.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'stream_1'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input')]
+            env source files: []
         - store_and_clean_1 [date: 2026-01-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - postout_1 [date: 2026-01-01 00:00:00]
@@ -498,7 +519,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/post_clean.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'postout_1', '--stream': 'stream_1', '--icon_input': 'icon_input'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='postout_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input'), ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--stream'), ShellCliArgument(name='icon_input', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--icon_input')]
+            env source files: []
   - icon_bimonthly [date: 2026-03-01 00:00:00]:
       tasks:
         - preproc [date: 2026-03-01 00:00:00]:
@@ -519,7 +541,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/cleanup.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=['grid_file'] keyword={'-p': 'extpar_file', '-e': 'ERA5'} flags=None source_file='dummy_source_file'
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='extpar_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-p'), ShellCliArgument(name='ERA5', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-e'), ShellCliArgument(name='grid_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item=None)]
+            env source files: ['$PWD/examples/files/data/dummy_source_file.sh']
         - icon [date: 2026-03-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - grid_file
@@ -552,7 +575,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/main_script_ocn.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'stream_1'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input')]
+            env source files: []
         - store_and_clean_1 [date: 2026-03-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - postout_1 [date: 2026-03-01 00:00:00]
@@ -568,7 +592,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/post_clean.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'postout_1', '--stream': 'stream_1', '--icon_input': 'icon_input'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='postout_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input'), ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--stream'), ShellCliArgument(name='icon_input', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--icon_input')]
+            env source files: []
   - icon_bimonthly [date: 2026-05-01 00:00:00]:
       tasks:
         - preproc [date: 2026-05-01 00:00:00]:
@@ -589,7 +614,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/cleanup.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=['grid_file'] keyword={'-p': 'extpar_file', '-e': 'ERA5'} flags=None source_file='dummy_source_file'
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='extpar_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-p'), ShellCliArgument(name='ERA5', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-e'), ShellCliArgument(name='grid_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item=None)]
+            env source files: ['$PWD/examples/files/data/dummy_source_file.sh']
         - icon [date: 2026-05-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - grid_file
@@ -622,7 +648,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/main_script_ocn.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'stream_1'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input')]
+            env source files: []
         - store_and_clean_1 [date: 2026-05-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - postout_1 [date: 2026-05-01 00:00:00]
@@ -638,7 +665,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/post_clean.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'postout_1', '--stream': 'stream_1', '--icon_input': 'icon_input'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='postout_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input'), ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--stream'), ShellCliArgument(name='icon_input', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--icon_input')]
+            env source files: []
   - icon_bimonthly [date: 2026-07-01 00:00:00]:
       tasks:
         - preproc [date: 2026-07-01 00:00:00]:
@@ -659,7 +687,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/cleanup.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=['grid_file'] keyword={'-p': 'extpar_file', '-e': 'ERA5'} flags=None source_file='dummy_source_file'
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='extpar_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-p'), ShellCliArgument(name='ERA5', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-e'), ShellCliArgument(name='grid_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item=None)]
+            env source files: ['$PWD/examples/files/data/dummy_source_file.sh']
         - icon [date: 2026-07-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - grid_file
@@ -692,7 +721,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/main_script_ocn.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'stream_1'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input')]
+            env source files: []
         - store_and_clean_1 [date: 2026-07-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - postout_1 [date: 2026-07-01 00:00:00]
@@ -708,7 +738,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/post_clean.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'postout_1', '--stream': 'stream_1', '--icon_input': 'icon_input'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='postout_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input'), ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--stream'), ShellCliArgument(name='icon_input', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--icon_input')]
+            env source files: []
   - icon_bimonthly [date: 2026-09-01 00:00:00]:
       tasks:
         - preproc [date: 2026-09-01 00:00:00]:
@@ -729,7 +760,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/cleanup.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=['grid_file'] keyword={'-p': 'extpar_file', '-e': 'ERA5'} flags=None source_file='dummy_source_file'
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='extpar_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-p'), ShellCliArgument(name='ERA5', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-e'), ShellCliArgument(name='grid_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item=None)]
+            env source files: ['$PWD/examples/files/data/dummy_source_file.sh']
         - icon [date: 2026-09-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - grid_file
@@ -762,7 +794,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/main_script_ocn.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'stream_1'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input')]
+            env source files: []
         - store_and_clean_1 [date: 2026-09-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - postout_1 [date: 2026-09-01 00:00:00]
@@ -778,7 +811,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/post_clean.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'postout_1', '--stream': 'stream_1', '--icon_input': 'icon_input'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='postout_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input'), ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--stream'), ShellCliArgument(name='icon_input', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--icon_input')]
+            env source files: []
   - icon_bimonthly [date: 2026-11-01 00:00:00]:
       tasks:
         - preproc [date: 2026-11-01 00:00:00]:
@@ -799,7 +833,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/cleanup.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=['grid_file'] keyword={'-p': 'extpar_file', '-e': 'ERA5'} flags=None source_file='dummy_source_file'
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='extpar_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-p'), ShellCliArgument(name='ERA5', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='-e'), ShellCliArgument(name='grid_file', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item=None)]
+            env source files: ['$PWD/examples/files/data/dummy_source_file.sh']
         - icon [date: 2026-11-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - grid_file
@@ -832,7 +867,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/main_script_ocn.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'stream_1'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input')]
+            env source files: []
         - store_and_clean_1 [date: 2026-11-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - postout_1 [date: 2026-11-01 00:00:00]
@@ -848,7 +884,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/post_clean.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'postout_1', '--stream': 'stream_1', '--icon_input': 'icon_input'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='postout_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input'), ShellCliArgument(name='stream_1', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--stream'), ShellCliArgument(name='icon_input', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--icon_input')]
+            env source files: []
   - yearly [date: 2025-01-01 00:00:00]:
       tasks:
         - postproc_2 [date: 2025-01-01 00:00:00]:
@@ -870,7 +907,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/main_script_atm.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'stream_2'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='stream_2', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input')]
+            env source files: []
             src: 'path/to/src/dir'
         - store_and_clean_2 [date: 2025-01-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
@@ -891,7 +929,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/post_clean.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'postout_2'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='postout_2', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input')]
+            env source files: []
   - yearly [date: 2026-01-01 00:00:00]:
       tasks:
         - postproc_2 [date: 2026-01-01 00:00:00]:
@@ -913,7 +952,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/main_script_atm.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'stream_2'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='stream_2', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input')]
+            env source files: []
             src: 'path/to/src/dir'
         - store_and_clean_2 [date: 2026-01-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
@@ -934,4 +974,5 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2027-01-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/examples/files/scripts/post_clean.sh'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--input': 'postout_2'} flags=None source_file=None
\ No newline at end of file
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='postout_2', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--input')]
+            env source files: []
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/tests/cases/parameters/config/test_config_parameters.yml b/tests/cases/parameters/config/test_config_parameters.yml
index 25b22dd..c434253 100644
--- a/tests/cases/parameters/config/test_config_parameters.yml
+++ b/tests/cases/parameters/config/test_config_parameters.yml
@@ -46,9 +46,7 @@ tasks:
   - icon:
       plugin: shell
       command: $PWD/tests/files/scripts/icon.py
-      cli_arguments:
-        keyword:
-          --restart: icon_restart
+      cli_arguments: "{--restart icon_restart} {--init initial_conditions} {--forcing forcing}"
       parameters: [foo, bar]
   - statistics_foo:
       plugin: shell
diff --git a/tests/cases/parameters/data/test_config_parameters.txt b/tests/cases/parameters/data/test_config_parameters.txt
index a4bd223..1085bee 100644
--- a/tests/cases/parameters/data/test_config_parameters.txt
+++ b/tests/cases/parameters/data/test_config_parameters.txt
@@ -14,7 +14,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2026-03-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/tests/files/scripts/icon.py'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--restart': 'icon_restart'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='icon_restart', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--restart'), ShellCliArgument(name='initial_conditions', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--init'), ShellCliArgument(name='forcing', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--forcing')]
+            env source files: []
         - icon [date: 2026-01-01 00:00:00, foo: 0, bar: 3.5]:
             input:
               - initial conditions
@@ -28,7 +29,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2026-03-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/tests/files/scripts/icon.py'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--restart': 'icon_restart'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='icon_restart', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--restart'), ShellCliArgument(name='initial_conditions', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--init'), ShellCliArgument(name='forcing', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--forcing')]
+            env source files: []
         - icon [date: 2026-01-01 00:00:00, foo: 1, bar: 3.0]:
             input:
               - initial conditions
@@ -42,7 +44,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2026-03-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/tests/files/scripts/icon.py'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--restart': 'icon_restart'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='icon_restart', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--restart'), ShellCliArgument(name='initial_conditions', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--init'), ShellCliArgument(name='forcing', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--forcing')]
+            env source files: []
         - icon [date: 2026-01-01 00:00:00, foo: 1, bar: 3.5]:
             input:
               - initial conditions
@@ -56,7 +59,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2026-03-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/tests/files/scripts/icon.py'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--restart': 'icon_restart'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='icon_restart', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--restart'), ShellCliArgument(name='initial_conditions', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--init'), ShellCliArgument(name='forcing', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--forcing')]
+            env source files: []
         - statistics_foo [date: 2026-01-01 00:00:00, bar: 3.0]:
             input:
               - icon_output [date: 2026-01-01 00:00:00, foo: 0, bar: 3.0]
@@ -69,6 +73,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2026-03-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/tests/files/scripts/statistics.py'
+            cli arguments: []
+            env source files: []
         - statistics_foo [date: 2026-01-01 00:00:00, bar: 3.5]:
             input:
               - icon_output [date: 2026-01-01 00:00:00, foo: 0, bar: 3.5]
@@ -81,6 +87,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2026-03-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/tests/files/scripts/statistics.py'
+            cli arguments: []
+            env source files: []
         - statistics_foo_bar [date: 2026-01-01 00:00:00]:
             input:
               - analysis_foo [date: 2026-01-01 00:00:00, bar: 3.5]
@@ -93,6 +101,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2026-03-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/tests/files/scripts/statistics.py'
+            cli arguments: []
+            env source files: []
   - yearly [date: 2026-01-01 00:00:00]:
       tasks:
         - merge [date: 2026-01-01 00:00:00]:
@@ -105,4 +115,6 @@ cycles:
             start date: 2026-01-01 00:00:00
             end date: 2026-03-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
-            command: '$PWD/tests/files/scripts/merge.py'
\ No newline at end of file
+            command: '$PWD/tests/files/scripts/merge.py'
+            cli arguments: []
+            env source files: []
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/tests/cases/small/config/test_config_small.yml b/tests/cases/small/config/test_config_small.yml
index 8b163fc..900e1c7 100644
--- a/tests/cases/small/config/test_config_small.yml
+++ b/tests/cases/small/config/test_config_small.yml
@@ -24,9 +24,7 @@ tasks:
   - icon:
       plugin: shell
       command: $PWD/tests/files/scripts/icon.py
-      cli_arguments:
-        keyword:
-          --restart: icon_restart
+      cli_arguments: "{--restart icon_restart} {--init initial_conditions}"
   - cleanup:
       plugin: shell
       command: $PWD/tests/files/scripts/cleanup.py
diff --git a/tests/cases/small/data/test_config_small.txt b/tests/cases/small/data/test_config_small.txt
index 8af67b5..5e0e293 100644
--- a/tests/cases/small/data/test_config_small.txt
+++ b/tests/cases/small/data/test_config_small.txt
@@ -11,7 +11,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2026-06-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/tests/files/scripts/icon.py'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--restart': 'icon_restart'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='icon_restart', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--restart'), ShellCliArgument(name='initial_conditions', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--init')]
+            env source files: []
   - bimonthly_tasks [date: 2026-03-01 00:00:00]:
       tasks:
         - icon [date: 2026-03-01 00:00:00]:
@@ -26,7 +27,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2026-06-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/tests/files/scripts/icon.py'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--restart': 'icon_restart'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='icon_restart', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--restart'), ShellCliArgument(name='initial_conditions', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--init')]
+            env source files: []
   - bimonthly_tasks [date: 2026-05-01 00:00:00]:
       tasks:
         - icon [date: 2026-05-01 00:00:00]:
@@ -41,7 +43,8 @@ cycles:
             end date: 2026-06-01 00:00:00
             plugin: 'shell'
             command: '$PWD/tests/files/scripts/icon.py'
-            cli arguments: positional=None keyword={'--restart': 'icon_restart'} flags=None source_file=None
+            cli arguments: [ShellCliArgument(name='icon_restart', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--restart'), ShellCliArgument(name='initial_conditions', references_data_item=True, cli_option_of_data_item='--init')]
+            env source files: []
   - lastly:
       tasks:
         - cleanup:
@@ -50,4 +53,6 @@ cycles:
             name: 'cleanup'
             coordinates: {}
             plugin: 'shell'
-            command: '$PWD/tests/files/scripts/cleanup.py'
\ No newline at end of file
+            command: '$PWD/tests/files/scripts/cleanup.py'
+            cli arguments: []
+            env source files: []
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/tests/test_wc_workflow.py b/tests/test_wc_workflow.py
index 5c253a3..dd9f793 100644
--- a/tests/test_wc_workflow.py
+++ b/tests/test_wc_workflow.py
@@ -3,10 +3,27 @@
 import pytest
 
 from sirocco.core import Workflow
+from sirocco.parsing._yaml_data_models import ConfigShellTask, ShellCliArgument
 from sirocco.pretty_print import PrettyPrinter
 from sirocco.vizgraph import VizGraph
 
 
+# configs that are tested for parsing
+def test_parsing_cli_parameters():
+    cli_arguments = "-D --CMAKE_CXX_COMPILER=${CXX_COMPILER} {--init file}"
+    assert ConfigShellTask.split_cli_arguments(cli_arguments) == [
+        "-D",
+        "--CMAKE_CXX_COMPILER=${CXX_COMPILER}",
+        "{--init file}",
+    ]
+
+    assert ConfigShellTask.parse_cli_arguments(cli_arguments) == [
+        ShellCliArgument("-D", False, None),
+        ShellCliArgument("--CMAKE_CXX_COMPILER=${CXX_COMPILER}", False, None),
+        ShellCliArgument("file", True, "--init"),
+    ]
+
+
 @pytest.fixture
 def pprinter():
     return PrettyPrinter()
@@ -35,8 +52,9 @@ def test_parse_config_file(config_paths, pprinter):
     if test_str != reference_str:
         new_path = Path(config_paths["txt"]).with_suffix(".new.txt")
         new_path.write_text(test_str)
-        msg = f"Workflow graph doesn't match serialized data. New graph string dumped to {new_path}."
-        raise ValueError(msg)
+        assert (
+            reference_str == test_str
+        ), f"Workflow graph doesn't match serialized data. New graph string dumped to {new_path}."
 
 
 @pytest.mark.skip(reason="don't run it each time, uncomment to regenerate serilaized data")