code: def _input_as_dict(self, data):
          
          # clear self._input; ready to receive new input and output files
          self._input = {}
          # Check that the arguments to the
          # subcommand-specific parameters are valid
          self.check_arguments()
  
          # Ensure that we have all required input (file I/O)
          for k in self._input_order:
              # N.B.: optional positional arguments begin with underscore (_)!
              # (e.g., see _mate_in for bwa bwasw)
              if k[0] != '_' and k not in data:
                  raise MissingRequiredArgumentApplicationError("Missing "
                                                                "required "
                                                                "input %s" % k)
  
          # Set values for input and output files
          for k in data:
              # check for unexpected keys in the dict
              if k not in self._input_order:
                  error_message = "Invalid input arguments (%s)\n" % k
                  error_message += "Valid keys are: %s" % repr(self._input_order)
                  raise InvalidArgumentApplicationError(error_message + '\n')
  
              # check for absolute paths
              if not isabs(data[k][0]):
                  raise InvalidArgumentApplicationError("Only absolute paths "
                                                        "allowed.\n%s" %
                                                        repr(data))
              self._input[k] = data[k]
  
          # if there is a -f option to specify an output file, force the user to
          # use it (otherwise things to to stdout)
          if '-f' in self.Parameters and not self.Parameters['-f'].isOn():
              raise InvalidArgumentApplicationError("Please specify an output "
                                                    "file with -f")
  
          return ''
docs: Takes dictionary that sets input and output files.
  
          Valid keys for the dictionary are specified in the subclasses. File
          paths must be absolute.