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1:mod:`curses` --- Terminal handling for character-cell displays
2===============================================================
3
4.. module:: curses
5   :synopsis: An interface to the curses library, providing portable
6              terminal handling.
7   :platform: Unix
8
9.. sectionauthor:: Moshe Zadka <moshez@zadka.site.co.il>
10.. sectionauthor:: Eric Raymond <esr@thyrsus.com>
11
12--------------
13
14The :mod:`curses` module provides an interface to the curses library, the
15de-facto standard for portable advanced terminal handling.
16
17While curses is most widely used in the Unix environment, versions are available
18for Windows, DOS, and possibly other systems as well.  This extension module is
19designed to match the API of ncurses, an open-source curses library hosted on
20Linux and the BSD variants of Unix.
21
22.. note::
23
24   Whenever the documentation mentions a *character* it can be specified
25   as an integer, a one-character Unicode string or a one-byte byte string.
26
27   Whenever the documentation mentions a *character string* it can be specified
28   as a Unicode string or a byte string.
29
30.. note::
31
32   Since version 5.4, the ncurses library decides how to interpret non-ASCII data
33   using the ``nl_langinfo`` function.  That means that you have to call
34   :func:`locale.setlocale` in the application and encode Unicode strings
35   using one of the system's available encodings.  This example uses the
36   system's default encoding::
37
38      import locale
39      locale.setlocale(locale.LC_ALL, '')
40      code = locale.getpreferredencoding()
41
42   Then use *code* as the encoding for :meth:`str.encode` calls.
43
44.. seealso::
45
46   Module :mod:`curses.ascii`
47      Utilities for working with ASCII characters, regardless of your locale settings.
48
49   Module :mod:`curses.panel`
50      A panel stack extension that adds depth to  curses windows.
51
52   Module :mod:`curses.textpad`
53      Editable text widget for curses supporting  :program:`Emacs`\ -like bindings.
54
55   :ref:`curses-howto`
56      Tutorial material on using curses with Python, by Andrew Kuchling and Eric
57      Raymond.
58
59   The :source:`Tools/demo/` directory in the Python source distribution contains
60   some example programs using the curses bindings provided by this module.
61
62
63.. _curses-functions:
64
65Functions
66---------
67
68The module :mod:`curses` defines the following exception:
69
70
71.. exception:: error
72
73   Exception raised when a curses library function returns an error.
74
75.. note::
76
77   Whenever *x* or *y* arguments to a function or a method are optional, they
78   default to the current cursor location. Whenever *attr* is optional, it defaults
79   to :const:`A_NORMAL`.
80
81The module :mod:`curses` defines the following functions:
82
83
84.. function:: baudrate()
85
86   Return the output speed of the terminal in bits per second.  On software
87   terminal emulators it will have a fixed high value. Included for historical
88   reasons; in former times, it was used to  write output loops for time delays and
89   occasionally to change interfaces depending on the line speed.
90
91
92.. function:: beep()
93
94   Emit a short attention sound.
95
96
97.. function:: can_change_color()
98
99   Return ``True`` or ``False``, depending on whether the programmer can change the colors
100   displayed by the terminal.
101
102
103.. function:: cbreak()
104
105   Enter cbreak mode.  In cbreak mode (sometimes called "rare" mode) normal tty
106   line buffering is turned off and characters are available to be read one by one.
107   However, unlike raw mode, special characters (interrupt, quit, suspend, and flow
108   control) retain their effects on the tty driver and calling program.  Calling
109   first :func:`raw` then :func:`cbreak` leaves the terminal in cbreak mode.
110
111
112.. function:: color_content(color_number)
113
114   Return the intensity of the red, green, and blue (RGB) components in the color
115   *color_number*, which must be between ``0`` and ``COLORS - 1``.  Return a 3-tuple,
116   containing the R,G,B values for the given color, which will be between
117   ``0`` (no component) and ``1000`` (maximum amount of component).
118
119
120.. function:: color_pair(pair_number)
121
122   Return the attribute value for displaying text in the specified color pair.
123   Only the first 256 color pairs are supported. This
124   attribute value can be combined with :const:`A_STANDOUT`, :const:`A_REVERSE`,
125   and the other :const:`A_\*` attributes.  :func:`pair_number` is the counterpart
126   to this function.
127
128
129.. function:: curs_set(visibility)
130
131   Set the cursor state.  *visibility* can be set to ``0``, ``1``, or ``2``, for invisible,
132   normal, or very visible.  If the terminal supports the visibility requested, return the
133   previous cursor state; otherwise raise an exception.  On many
134   terminals, the "visible" mode is an underline cursor and the "very visible" mode
135   is a block cursor.
136
137
138.. function:: def_prog_mode()
139
140   Save the current terminal mode as the "program" mode, the mode when the running
141   program is using curses.  (Its counterpart is the "shell" mode, for when the
142   program is not in curses.)  Subsequent calls to :func:`reset_prog_mode` will
143   restore this mode.
144
145
146.. function:: def_shell_mode()
147
148   Save the current terminal mode as the "shell" mode, the mode when the running
149   program is not using curses.  (Its counterpart is the "program" mode, when the
150   program is using curses capabilities.) Subsequent calls to
151   :func:`reset_shell_mode` will restore this mode.
152
153
154.. function:: delay_output(ms)
155
156   Insert an *ms* millisecond pause in output.
157
158
159.. function:: doupdate()
160
161   Update the physical screen.  The curses library keeps two data structures, one
162   representing the current physical screen contents and a virtual screen
163   representing the desired next state.  The :func:`doupdate` ground updates the
164   physical screen to match the virtual screen.
165
166   The virtual screen may be updated by a :meth:`~window.noutrefresh` call after write
167   operations such as :meth:`~window.addstr` have been performed on a window.  The normal
168   :meth:`~window.refresh` call is simply :meth:`!noutrefresh` followed by :func:`!doupdate`;
169   if you have to update multiple windows, you can speed performance and perhaps
170   reduce screen flicker by issuing :meth:`!noutrefresh` calls on all windows,
171   followed by a single :func:`!doupdate`.
172
173
174.. function:: echo()
175
176   Enter echo mode.  In echo mode, each character input is echoed to the screen as
177   it is entered.
178
179
180.. function:: endwin()
181
182   De-initialize the library, and return terminal to normal status.
183
184
185.. function:: erasechar()
186
187   Return the user's current erase character as a one-byte bytes object.  Under Unix operating systems this
188   is a property of the controlling tty of the curses program, and is not set by
189   the curses library itself.
190
191
192.. function:: filter()
193
194   The :func:`.filter` routine, if used, must be called before :func:`initscr` is
195   called.  The effect is that, during those calls, :envvar:`LINES` is set to ``1``; the
196   capabilities ``clear``, ``cup``, ``cud``, ``cud1``, ``cuu1``, ``cuu``, ``vpa`` are disabled; and the ``home``
197   string is set to the value of ``cr``. The effect is that the cursor is confined to
198   the current line, and so are screen updates.  This may be used for enabling
199   character-at-a-time  line editing without touching the rest of the screen.
200
201
202.. function:: flash()
203
204   Flash the screen.  That is, change it to reverse-video and then change it back
205   in a short interval.  Some people prefer such as 'visible bell' to the audible
206   attention signal produced by :func:`beep`.
207
208
209.. function:: flushinp()
210
211   Flush all input buffers.  This throws away any  typeahead  that  has been typed
212   by the user and has not yet been processed by the program.
213
214
215.. function:: getmouse()
216
217   After :meth:`~window.getch` returns :const:`KEY_MOUSE` to signal a mouse event, this
218   method should be called to retrieve the queued mouse event, represented as a
219   5-tuple ``(id, x, y, z, bstate)``. *id* is an ID value used to distinguish
220   multiple devices, and *x*, *y*, *z* are the event's coordinates.  (*z* is
221   currently unused.)  *bstate* is an integer value whose bits will be set to
222   indicate the type of event, and will be the bitwise OR of one or more of the
223   following constants, where *n* is the button number from 1 to 4:
224   :const:`BUTTONn_PRESSED`, :const:`BUTTONn_RELEASED`, :const:`BUTTONn_CLICKED`,
225   :const:`BUTTONn_DOUBLE_CLICKED`, :const:`BUTTONn_TRIPLE_CLICKED`,
226   :const:`BUTTON_SHIFT`, :const:`BUTTON_CTRL`, :const:`BUTTON_ALT`.
227
228
229.. function:: getsyx()
230
231   Return the current coordinates of the virtual screen cursor as a tuple
232   ``(y, x)``.  If :meth:`leaveok <window.leaveok>` is currently ``True``, then return ``(-1, -1)``.
233
234
235.. function:: getwin(file)
236
237   Read window related data stored in the file by an earlier :func:`putwin` call.
238   The routine then creates and initializes a new window using that data, returning
239   the new window object.
240
241
242.. function:: has_colors()
243
244   Return ``True`` if the terminal can display colors; otherwise, return ``False``.
245
246
247.. function:: has_ic()
248
249   Return ``True`` if the terminal has insert- and delete-character capabilities.
250   This function is included for historical reasons only, as all modern software
251   terminal emulators have such capabilities.
252
253
254.. function:: has_il()
255
256   Return ``True`` if the terminal has insert- and delete-line capabilities, or can
257   simulate  them  using scrolling regions. This function is included for
258   historical reasons only, as all modern software terminal emulators have such
259   capabilities.
260
261
262.. function:: has_key(ch)
263
264   Take a key value *ch*, and return ``True`` if the current terminal type recognizes
265   a key with that value.
266
267
268.. function:: halfdelay(tenths)
269
270   Used for half-delay mode, which is similar to cbreak mode in that characters
271   typed by the user are immediately available to the program. However, after
272   blocking for *tenths* tenths of seconds, raise an exception if nothing has
273   been typed.  The value of *tenths* must be a number between ``1`` and ``255``.  Use
274   :func:`nocbreak` to leave half-delay mode.
275
276
277.. function:: init_color(color_number, r, g, b)
278
279   Change the definition of a color, taking the number of the color to be changed
280   followed by three RGB values (for the amounts of red, green, and blue
281   components).  The value of *color_number* must be between ``0`` and
282   `COLORS - 1`.  Each of *r*, *g*, *b*, must be a value between ``0`` and
283   ``1000``.  When :func:`init_color` is used, all occurrences of that color on the
284   screen immediately change to the new definition.  This function is a no-op on
285   most terminals; it is active only if :func:`can_change_color` returns ``True``.
286
287
288.. function:: init_pair(pair_number, fg, bg)
289
290   Change the definition of a color-pair.  It takes three arguments: the number of
291   the color-pair to be changed, the foreground color number, and the background
292   color number.  The value of *pair_number* must be between ``1`` and
293   ``COLOR_PAIRS - 1`` (the ``0`` color pair is wired to white on black and cannot
294   be changed).  The value of *fg* and *bg* arguments must be between ``0`` and
295   ``COLORS - 1``, or, after calling :func:`use_default_colors`, ``-1``.
296   If the color-pair was previously initialized, the screen is
297   refreshed and all occurrences of that color-pair are changed to the new
298   definition.
299
300
301.. function:: initscr()
302
303   Initialize the library. Return a :ref:`window <curses-window-objects>` object
304   which represents the whole screen.
305
306   .. note::
307
308      If there is an error opening the terminal, the underlying curses library may
309      cause the interpreter to exit.
310
311
312.. function:: is_term_resized(nlines, ncols)
313
314   Return ``True`` if :func:`resize_term` would modify the window structure,
315   ``False`` otherwise.
316
317
318.. function:: isendwin()
319
320   Return ``True`` if :func:`endwin` has been called (that is, the  curses library has
321   been deinitialized).
322
323
324.. function:: keyname(k)
325
326   Return the name of the key numbered *k* as a bytes object.  The name of a key generating printable
327   ASCII character is the key's character.  The name of a control-key combination
328   is a two-byte bytes object consisting of a caret (``b'^'``) followed by the corresponding
329   printable ASCII character.  The name of an alt-key combination (128--255) is a
330   bytes object consisting of the prefix ``b'M-'`` followed by the name of the corresponding
331   ASCII character.
332
333
334.. function:: killchar()
335
336   Return the user's current line kill character as a one-byte bytes object. Under Unix operating systems
337   this is a property of the controlling tty of the curses program, and is not set
338   by the curses library itself.
339
340
341.. function:: longname()
342
343   Return a bytes object containing the terminfo long name field describing the current
344   terminal.  The maximum length of a verbose description is 128 characters.  It is
345   defined only after the call to :func:`initscr`.
346
347
348.. function:: meta(flag)
349
350   If *flag* is ``True``, allow 8-bit characters to be input.  If
351   *flag* is ``False``,  allow only 7-bit chars.
352
353
354.. function:: mouseinterval(interval)
355
356   Set the maximum time in milliseconds that can elapse between press and release
357   events in order for them to be recognized as a click, and return the previous
358   interval value.  The default value is 200 msec, or one fifth of a second.
359
360
361.. function:: mousemask(mousemask)
362
363   Set the mouse events to be reported, and return a tuple ``(availmask,
364   oldmask)``.   *availmask* indicates which of the specified mouse events can be
365   reported; on complete failure it returns ``0``.  *oldmask* is the previous value of
366   the given window's mouse event mask.  If this function is never called, no mouse
367   events are ever reported.
368
369
370.. function:: napms(ms)
371
372   Sleep for *ms* milliseconds.
373
374
375.. function:: newpad(nlines, ncols)
376
377   Create and return a pointer to a new pad data structure with the given number
378   of lines and columns.  Return a pad as a window object.
379
380   A pad is like a window, except that it is not restricted by the screen size, and
381   is not necessarily associated with a particular part of the screen.  Pads can be
382   used when a large window is needed, and only a part of the window will be on the
383   screen at one time.  Automatic refreshes of pads (such as from scrolling or
384   echoing of input) do not occur.  The :meth:`~window.refresh` and :meth:`~window.noutrefresh`
385   methods of a pad require 6 arguments to specify the part of the pad to be
386   displayed and the location on the screen to be used for the display. The
387   arguments are *pminrow*, *pmincol*, *sminrow*, *smincol*, *smaxrow*, *smaxcol*; the *p*
388   arguments refer to the upper left corner of the pad region to be displayed and
389   the *s* arguments define a clipping box on the screen within which the pad region
390   is to be displayed.
391
392
393.. function:: newwin(nlines, ncols)
394              newwin(nlines, ncols, begin_y, begin_x)
395
396   Return a new :ref:`window <curses-window-objects>`, whose left-upper corner
397   is at  ``(begin_y, begin_x)``, and whose height/width is  *nlines*/*ncols*.
398
399   By default, the window will extend from the  specified position to the lower
400   right corner of the screen.
401
402
403.. function:: nl()
404
405   Enter newline mode.  This mode translates the return key into newline on input,
406   and translates newline into return and line-feed on output. Newline mode is
407   initially on.
408
409
410.. function:: nocbreak()
411
412   Leave cbreak mode.  Return to normal "cooked" mode with line buffering.
413
414
415.. function:: noecho()
416
417   Leave echo mode.  Echoing of input characters is turned off.
418
419
420.. function:: nonl()
421
422   Leave newline mode.  Disable translation of return into newline on input, and
423   disable low-level translation of newline into newline/return on output (but this
424   does not change the behavior of ``addch('\n')``, which always does the
425   equivalent of return and line feed on the virtual screen).  With translation
426   off, curses can sometimes speed up vertical motion a little; also, it will be
427   able to detect the return key on input.
428
429
430.. function:: noqiflush()
431
432   When the :func:`!noqiflush` routine is used, normal flush of input and output queues
433   associated with the ``INTR``, ``QUIT`` and ``SUSP`` characters will not be done.  You may
434   want to call :func:`!noqiflush` in a signal handler if you want output to
435   continue as though the interrupt had not occurred, after the handler exits.
436
437
438.. function:: noraw()
439
440   Leave raw mode. Return to normal "cooked" mode with line buffering.
441
442
443.. function:: pair_content(pair_number)
444
445   Return a tuple ``(fg, bg)`` containing the colors for the requested color pair.
446   The value of *pair_number* must be between ``0`` and ``COLOR_PAIRS - 1``.
447
448
449.. function:: pair_number(attr)
450
451   Return the number of the color-pair set by the attribute value *attr*.
452   :func:`color_pair` is the counterpart to this function.
453
454
455.. function:: putp(str)
456
457   Equivalent to ``tputs(str, 1, putchar)``; emit the value of a specified
458   terminfo capability for the current terminal.  Note that the output of :func:`putp`
459   always goes to standard output.
460
461
462.. function:: qiflush([flag])
463
464   If *flag* is ``False``, the effect is the same as calling :func:`noqiflush`. If
465   *flag* is ``True``, or no argument is provided, the queues will be flushed when
466   these control characters are read.
467
468
469.. function:: raw()
470
471   Enter raw mode.  In raw mode, normal line buffering and  processing of
472   interrupt, quit, suspend, and flow control keys are turned off; characters are
473   presented to curses input functions one by one.
474
475
476.. function:: reset_prog_mode()
477
478   Restore the  terminal  to "program" mode, as previously saved  by
479   :func:`def_prog_mode`.
480
481
482.. function:: reset_shell_mode()
483
484   Restore the  terminal  to "shell" mode, as previously saved  by
485   :func:`def_shell_mode`.
486
487
488.. function:: resetty()
489
490   Restore the state of the terminal modes to what it was at the last call to
491   :func:`savetty`.
492
493
494.. function:: resize_term(nlines, ncols)
495
496   Backend function used by :func:`resizeterm`, performing most of the work;
497   when resizing the windows, :func:`resize_term` blank-fills the areas that are
498   extended.  The calling application should fill in these areas with
499   appropriate data.  The :func:`!resize_term` function attempts to resize all
500   windows.  However, due to the calling convention of pads, it is not possible
501   to resize these without additional interaction with the application.
502
503
504.. function:: resizeterm(nlines, ncols)
505
506   Resize the standard and current windows to the specified dimensions, and
507   adjusts other bookkeeping data used by the curses library that record the
508   window dimensions (in particular the SIGWINCH handler).
509
510
511.. function:: savetty()
512
513   Save the current state of the terminal modes in a buffer, usable by
514   :func:`resetty`.
515
516.. function:: get_escdelay()
517
518   Retrieves the value set by :func:`set_escdelay`.
519
520   .. versionadded:: 3.9
521
522.. function:: set_escdelay(ms)
523
524   Sets the number of milliseconds to wait after reading an escape character,
525   to distinguish between an individual escape character entered on the
526   keyboard from escape sequences sent by cursor and function keys.
527
528   .. versionadded:: 3.9
529
530.. function:: get_tabsize()
531
532   Retrieves the value set by :func:`set_tabsize`.
533
534   .. versionadded:: 3.9
535
536.. function:: set_tabsize(size)
537
538   Sets the number of columns used by the curses library when converting a tab
539   character to spaces as it adds the tab to a window.
540
541   .. versionadded:: 3.9
542
543.. function:: setsyx(y, x)
544
545   Set the virtual screen cursor to *y*, *x*. If *y* and *x* are both ``-1``, then
546   :meth:`leaveok <window.leaveok>` is set ``True``.
547
548
549.. function:: setupterm(term=None, fd=-1)
550
551   Initialize the terminal.  *term* is a string giving
552   the terminal name, or ``None``; if omitted or ``None``, the value of the
553   :envvar:`TERM` environment variable will be used.  *fd* is the
554   file descriptor to which any initialization sequences will be sent; if not
555   supplied or ``-1``, the file descriptor for ``sys.stdout`` will be used.
556
557
558.. function:: start_color()
559
560   Must be called if the programmer wants to use colors, and before any other color
561   manipulation routine is called.  It is good practice to call this routine right
562   after :func:`initscr`.
563
564   :func:`start_color` initializes eight basic colors (black, red,  green, yellow,
565   blue, magenta, cyan, and white), and two global variables in the :mod:`curses`
566   module, :const:`COLORS` and :const:`COLOR_PAIRS`, containing the maximum number
567   of colors and color-pairs the terminal can support.  It also restores the colors
568   on the terminal to the values they had when the terminal was just turned on.
569
570
571.. function:: termattrs()
572
573   Return a logical OR of all video attributes supported by the terminal.  This
574   information is useful when a curses program needs complete control over the
575   appearance of the screen.
576
577
578.. function:: termname()
579
580   Return the value of the environment variable :envvar:`TERM`, as a bytes object,
581   truncated to 14 characters.
582
583
584.. function:: tigetflag(capname)
585
586   Return the value of the Boolean capability corresponding to the terminfo
587   capability name *capname* as an integer.  Return the value ``-1`` if *capname* is not a
588   Boolean capability, or ``0`` if it is canceled or absent from the terminal
589   description.
590
591
592.. function:: tigetnum(capname)
593
594   Return the value of the numeric capability corresponding to the terminfo
595   capability name *capname* as an integer.  Return the value ``-2`` if *capname* is not a
596   numeric capability, or ``-1`` if it is canceled or absent from the terminal
597   description.
598
599
600.. function:: tigetstr(capname)
601
602   Return the value of the string capability corresponding to the terminfo
603   capability name *capname* as a bytes object.  Return ``None`` if *capname*
604   is not a terminfo "string capability", or is canceled or absent from the
605   terminal description.
606
607
608.. function:: tparm(str[, ...])
609
610   Instantiate the bytes object *str* with the supplied parameters, where *str* should
611   be a parameterized string obtained from the terminfo database.  E.g.
612   ``tparm(tigetstr("cup"), 5, 3)`` could result in ``b'\033[6;4H'``, the exact
613   result depending on terminal type.
614
615
616.. function:: typeahead(fd)
617
618   Specify that the file descriptor *fd* be used for typeahead checking.  If *fd*
619   is ``-1``, then no typeahead checking is done.
620
621   The curses library does "line-breakout optimization" by looking for typeahead
622   periodically while updating the screen.  If input is found, and it is coming
623   from a tty, the current update is postponed until refresh or doupdate is called
624   again, allowing faster response to commands typed in advance. This function
625   allows specifying a different file descriptor for typeahead checking.
626
627
628.. function:: unctrl(ch)
629
630   Return a bytes object which is a printable representation of the character *ch*.
631   Control characters are represented as a caret followed by the character, for
632   example as ``b'^C'``. Printing characters are left as they are.
633
634
635.. function:: ungetch(ch)
636
637   Push *ch* so the next :meth:`~window.getch` will return it.
638
639   .. note::
640
641      Only one *ch* can be pushed before :meth:`!getch` is called.
642
643
644.. function:: update_lines_cols()
645
646   Update :envvar:`LINES` and :envvar:`COLS`. Useful for detecting manual screen resize.
647
648   .. versionadded:: 3.5
649
650
651.. function:: unget_wch(ch)
652
653   Push *ch* so the next :meth:`~window.get_wch` will return it.
654
655   .. note::
656
657      Only one *ch* can be pushed before :meth:`!get_wch` is called.
658
659   .. versionadded:: 3.3
660
661
662.. function:: ungetmouse(id, x, y, z, bstate)
663
664   Push a :const:`KEY_MOUSE` event onto the input queue, associating the given
665   state data with it.
666
667
668.. function:: use_env(flag)
669
670   If used, this function should be called before :func:`initscr` or newterm are
671   called.  When *flag* is ``False``, the values of lines and columns specified in the
672   terminfo database will be used, even if environment variables :envvar:`LINES`
673   and :envvar:`COLUMNS` (used by default) are set, or if curses is running in a
674   window (in which case default behavior would be to use the window size if
675   :envvar:`LINES` and :envvar:`COLUMNS` are not set).
676
677
678.. function:: use_default_colors()
679
680   Allow use of default values for colors on terminals supporting this feature. Use
681   this to support transparency in your application.  The default color is assigned
682   to the color number ``-1``. After calling this function,  ``init_pair(x,
683   curses.COLOR_RED, -1)`` initializes, for instance, color pair *x* to a red
684   foreground color on the default background.
685
686
687.. function:: wrapper(func, /, *args, **kwargs)
688
689   Initialize curses and call another callable object, *func*, which should be the
690   rest of your curses-using application.  If the application raises an exception,
691   this function will restore the terminal to a sane state before re-raising the
692   exception and generating a traceback.  The callable object *func* is then passed
693   the main window 'stdscr' as its first argument, followed by any other arguments
694   passed to :func:`!wrapper`.  Before calling *func*, :func:`!wrapper` turns on
695   cbreak mode, turns off echo, enables the terminal keypad, and initializes colors
696   if the terminal has color support.  On exit (whether normally or by exception)
697   it restores cooked mode, turns on echo, and disables the terminal keypad.
698
699
700.. _curses-window-objects:
701
702Window Objects
703--------------
704
705Window objects, as returned by :func:`initscr` and :func:`newwin` above, have
706the following methods and attributes:
707
708
709.. method:: window.addch(ch[, attr])
710            window.addch(y, x, ch[, attr])
711
712   Paint character *ch* at ``(y, x)`` with attributes *attr*, overwriting any
713   character previously painted at that location.  By default, the character
714   position and attributes are the current settings for the window object.
715
716   .. note::
717
718      Writing outside the window, subwindow, or pad raises a :exc:`curses.error`.
719      Attempting to write to the lower right corner of a window, subwindow,
720      or pad will cause an exception to be raised after the character is printed.
721
722
723.. method:: window.addnstr(str, n[, attr])
724            window.addnstr(y, x, str, n[, attr])
725
726   Paint at most *n* characters of the character string *str* at
727   ``(y, x)`` with attributes
728   *attr*, overwriting anything previously on the display.
729
730
731.. method:: window.addstr(str[, attr])
732            window.addstr(y, x, str[, attr])
733
734   Paint the character string *str* at ``(y, x)`` with attributes
735   *attr*, overwriting anything previously on the display.
736
737   .. note::
738
739      * Writing outside the window, subwindow, or pad raises :exc:`curses.error`.
740        Attempting to write to the lower right corner of a window, subwindow,
741        or pad will cause an exception to be raised after the string is printed.
742
743      * A `bug in ncurses <https://bugs.python.org/issue35924>`_, the backend
744        for this Python module, can cause SegFaults when resizing windows. This
745        is fixed in ncurses-6.1-20190511.  If you are stuck with an earlier
746        ncurses, you can avoid triggering this if you do not call :func:`addstr`
747        with a *str* that has embedded newlines.  Instead, call :func:`addstr`
748        separately for each line.
749
750
751.. method:: window.attroff(attr)
752
753   Remove attribute *attr* from the "background" set applied to all writes to the
754   current window.
755
756
757.. method:: window.attron(attr)
758
759   Add attribute *attr* from the "background" set applied to all writes to the
760   current window.
761
762
763.. method:: window.attrset(attr)
764
765   Set the "background" set of attributes to *attr*.  This set is initially
766   ``0`` (no attributes).
767
768
769.. method:: window.bkgd(ch[, attr])
770
771   Set the background property of the window to the character *ch*, with
772   attributes *attr*.  The change is then applied to every character position in
773   that window:
774
775   * The attribute of every character in the window  is changed to the new
776     background attribute.
777
778   * Wherever  the  former background character appears, it is changed to the new
779     background character.
780
781
782.. method:: window.bkgdset(ch[, attr])
783
784   Set the window's background.  A window's background consists of a character and
785   any combination of attributes.  The attribute part of the background is combined
786   (OR'ed) with all non-blank characters that are written into the window.  Both
787   the character and attribute parts of the background are combined with the blank
788   characters.  The background becomes a property of the character and moves with
789   the character through any scrolling and insert/delete line/character operations.
790
791
792.. method:: window.border([ls[, rs[, ts[, bs[, tl[, tr[, bl[, br]]]]]]]])
793
794   Draw a border around the edges of the window. Each parameter specifies  the
795   character to use for a specific part of the border; see the table below for more
796   details.
797
798   .. note::
799
800      A ``0`` value for any parameter will cause the default character to be used for
801      that parameter.  Keyword parameters can *not* be used.  The defaults are listed
802      in this table:
803
804   +-----------+---------------------+-----------------------+
805   | Parameter | Description         | Default value         |
806   +===========+=====================+=======================+
807   | *ls*      | Left side           | :const:`ACS_VLINE`    |
808   +-----------+---------------------+-----------------------+
809   | *rs*      | Right side          | :const:`ACS_VLINE`    |
810   +-----------+---------------------+-----------------------+
811   | *ts*      | Top                 | :const:`ACS_HLINE`    |
812   +-----------+---------------------+-----------------------+
813   | *bs*      | Bottom              | :const:`ACS_HLINE`    |
814   +-----------+---------------------+-----------------------+
815   | *tl*      | Upper-left corner   | :const:`ACS_ULCORNER` |
816   +-----------+---------------------+-----------------------+
817   | *tr*      | Upper-right corner  | :const:`ACS_URCORNER` |
818   +-----------+---------------------+-----------------------+
819   | *bl*      | Bottom-left corner  | :const:`ACS_LLCORNER` |
820   +-----------+---------------------+-----------------------+
821   | *br*      | Bottom-right corner | :const:`ACS_LRCORNER` |
822   +-----------+---------------------+-----------------------+
823
824
825.. method:: window.box([vertch, horch])
826
827   Similar to :meth:`border`, but both *ls* and *rs* are *vertch* and both *ts* and
828   *bs* are *horch*.  The default corner characters are always used by this function.
829
830
831.. method:: window.chgat(attr)
832            window.chgat(num, attr)
833            window.chgat(y, x, attr)
834            window.chgat(y, x, num, attr)
835
836   Set the attributes of *num* characters at the current cursor position, or at
837   position ``(y, x)`` if supplied. If *num* is not given or is ``-1``,
838   the attribute will be set on all the characters to the end of the line.  This
839   function moves cursor to position ``(y, x)`` if supplied. The changed line
840   will be touched using the :meth:`touchline` method so that the contents will
841   be redisplayed by the next window refresh.
842
843
844.. method:: window.clear()
845
846   Like :meth:`erase`, but also cause the whole window to be repainted upon next
847   call to :meth:`refresh`.
848
849
850.. method:: window.clearok(flag)
851
852   If *flag* is ``True``, the next call to :meth:`refresh` will clear the window
853   completely.
854
855
856.. method:: window.clrtobot()
857
858   Erase from cursor to the end of the window: all lines below the cursor are
859   deleted, and then the equivalent of :meth:`clrtoeol` is performed.
860
861
862.. method:: window.clrtoeol()
863
864   Erase from cursor to the end of the line.
865
866
867.. method:: window.cursyncup()
868
869   Update the current cursor position of all the ancestors of the window to
870   reflect the current cursor position of the window.
871
872
873.. method:: window.delch([y, x])
874
875   Delete any character at ``(y, x)``.
876
877
878.. method:: window.deleteln()
879
880   Delete the line under the cursor. All following lines are moved up by one line.
881
882
883.. method:: window.derwin(begin_y, begin_x)
884            window.derwin(nlines, ncols, begin_y, begin_x)
885
886   An abbreviation for "derive window", :meth:`derwin` is the same as calling
887   :meth:`subwin`, except that *begin_y* and *begin_x* are relative to the origin
888   of the window, rather than relative to the entire screen.  Return a window
889   object for the derived window.
890
891
892.. method:: window.echochar(ch[, attr])
893
894   Add character *ch* with attribute *attr*, and immediately  call :meth:`refresh`
895   on the window.
896
897
898.. method:: window.enclose(y, x)
899
900   Test whether the given pair of screen-relative character-cell coordinates are
901   enclosed by the given window, returning ``True`` or ``False``.  It is useful for
902   determining what subset of the screen windows enclose the location of a mouse
903   event.
904
905
906.. attribute:: window.encoding
907
908   Encoding used to encode method arguments (Unicode strings and characters).
909   The encoding attribute is inherited from the parent window when a subwindow
910   is created, for example with :meth:`window.subwin`. By default, the locale
911   encoding is used (see :func:`locale.getpreferredencoding`).
912
913   .. versionadded:: 3.3
914
915
916.. method:: window.erase()
917
918   Clear the window.
919
920
921.. method:: window.getbegyx()
922
923   Return a tuple ``(y, x)`` of co-ordinates of upper-left corner.
924
925
926.. method:: window.getbkgd()
927
928   Return the given window's current background character/attribute pair.
929
930
931.. method:: window.getch([y, x])
932
933   Get a character. Note that the integer returned does *not* have to be in ASCII
934   range: function keys, keypad keys and so on are represented by numbers higher
935   than 255.  In no-delay mode, return ``-1`` if there is no input, otherwise
936   wait until a key is pressed.
937
938
939.. method:: window.get_wch([y, x])
940
941   Get a wide character. Return a character for most keys, or an integer for
942   function keys, keypad keys, and other special keys.
943   In no-delay mode, raise an exception if there is no input.
944
945   .. versionadded:: 3.3
946
947
948.. method:: window.getkey([y, x])
949
950   Get a character, returning a string instead of an integer, as :meth:`getch`
951   does. Function keys, keypad keys and other special keys return a multibyte
952   string containing the key name.  In no-delay mode, raise an exception if
953   there is no input.
954
955
956.. method:: window.getmaxyx()
957
958   Return a tuple ``(y, x)`` of the height and width of the window.
959
960
961.. method:: window.getparyx()
962
963   Return the beginning coordinates of this window relative to its parent window
964   as a tuple ``(y, x)``.  Return ``(-1, -1)`` if this window has no
965   parent.
966
967
968.. method:: window.getstr()
969            window.getstr(n)
970            window.getstr(y, x)
971            window.getstr(y, x, n)
972
973   Read a bytes object from the user, with primitive line editing capacity.
974
975
976.. method:: window.getyx()
977
978   Return a tuple ``(y, x)`` of current cursor position  relative to the window's
979   upper-left corner.
980
981
982.. method:: window.hline(ch, n)
983            window.hline(y, x, ch, n)
984
985   Display a horizontal line starting at ``(y, x)`` with length *n* consisting of
986   the character *ch*.
987
988
989.. method:: window.idcok(flag)
990
991   If *flag* is ``False``, curses no longer considers using the hardware insert/delete
992   character feature of the terminal; if *flag* is ``True``, use of character insertion
993   and deletion is enabled.  When curses is first initialized, use of character
994   insert/delete is enabled by default.
995
996
997.. method:: window.idlok(flag)
998
999   If *flag* is ``True``, :mod:`curses` will try and use hardware line
1000   editing facilities. Otherwise, line insertion/deletion are disabled.
1001
1002
1003.. method:: window.immedok(flag)
1004
1005   If *flag* is ``True``, any change in the window image automatically causes the
1006   window to be refreshed; you no longer have to call :meth:`refresh` yourself.
1007   However, it may degrade performance considerably, due to repeated calls to
1008   wrefresh.  This option is disabled by default.
1009
1010
1011.. method:: window.inch([y, x])
1012
1013   Return the character at the given position in the window. The bottom 8 bits are
1014   the character proper, and upper bits are the attributes.
1015
1016
1017.. method:: window.insch(ch[, attr])
1018            window.insch(y, x, ch[, attr])
1019
1020   Paint character *ch* at ``(y, x)`` with attributes *attr*, moving the line from
1021   position *x* right by one character.
1022
1023
1024.. method:: window.insdelln(nlines)
1025
1026   Insert *nlines* lines into the specified window above the current line.  The
1027   *nlines* bottom lines are lost.  For negative *nlines*, delete *nlines* lines
1028   starting with the one under the cursor, and move the remaining lines up.  The
1029   bottom *nlines* lines are cleared.  The current cursor position remains the
1030   same.
1031
1032
1033.. method:: window.insertln()
1034
1035   Insert a blank line under the cursor. All following lines are moved down by one
1036   line.
1037
1038
1039.. method:: window.insnstr(str, n[, attr])
1040            window.insnstr(y, x, str, n[, attr])
1041
1042   Insert a character string (as many characters as will fit on the line) before
1043   the character under the cursor, up to *n* characters.   If *n* is zero or
1044   negative, the entire string is inserted. All characters to the right of the
1045   cursor are shifted right, with the rightmost characters on the line being lost.
1046   The cursor position does not change (after moving to *y*, *x*, if specified).
1047
1048
1049.. method:: window.insstr(str[, attr])
1050            window.insstr(y, x, str[, attr])
1051
1052   Insert a character string (as many characters as will fit on the line) before
1053   the character under the cursor.  All characters to the right of the cursor are
1054   shifted right, with the rightmost characters on the line being lost.  The cursor
1055   position does not change (after moving to *y*, *x*, if specified).
1056
1057
1058.. method:: window.instr([n])
1059            window.instr(y, x[, n])
1060
1061   Return a bytes object of characters, extracted from the window starting at the
1062   current cursor position, or at *y*, *x* if specified. Attributes are stripped
1063   from the characters.  If *n* is specified, :meth:`instr` returns a string
1064   at most *n* characters long (exclusive of the trailing NUL).
1065
1066
1067.. method:: window.is_linetouched(line)
1068
1069   Return ``True`` if the specified line was modified since the last call to
1070   :meth:`refresh`; otherwise return ``False``.  Raise a :exc:`curses.error`
1071   exception if *line* is not valid for the given window.
1072
1073
1074.. method:: window.is_wintouched()
1075
1076   Return ``True`` if the specified window was modified since the last call to
1077   :meth:`refresh`; otherwise return ``False``.
1078
1079
1080.. method:: window.keypad(flag)
1081
1082   If *flag* is ``True``, escape sequences generated by some keys (keypad,  function keys)
1083   will be interpreted by :mod:`curses`. If *flag* is ``False``, escape sequences will be
1084   left as is in the input stream.
1085
1086
1087.. method:: window.leaveok(flag)
1088
1089   If *flag* is ``True``, cursor is left where it is on update, instead of being at "cursor
1090   position."  This reduces cursor movement where possible. If possible the cursor
1091   will be made invisible.
1092
1093   If *flag* is ``False``, cursor will always be at "cursor position" after an update.
1094
1095
1096.. method:: window.move(new_y, new_x)
1097
1098   Move cursor to ``(new_y, new_x)``.
1099
1100
1101.. method:: window.mvderwin(y, x)
1102
1103   Move the window inside its parent window.  The screen-relative parameters of
1104   the window are not changed.  This routine is used to display different parts of
1105   the parent window at the same physical position on the screen.
1106
1107
1108.. method:: window.mvwin(new_y, new_x)
1109
1110   Move the window so its upper-left corner is at ``(new_y, new_x)``.
1111
1112
1113.. method:: window.nodelay(flag)
1114
1115   If *flag* is ``True``, :meth:`getch` will be non-blocking.
1116
1117
1118.. method:: window.notimeout(flag)
1119
1120   If *flag* is ``True``, escape sequences will not be timed out.
1121
1122   If *flag* is ``False``, after a few milliseconds, an escape sequence will not be
1123   interpreted, and will be left in the input stream as is.
1124
1125
1126.. method:: window.noutrefresh()
1127
1128   Mark for refresh but wait.  This function updates the data structure
1129   representing the desired state of the window, but does not force an update of
1130   the physical screen.  To accomplish that, call  :func:`doupdate`.
1131
1132
1133.. method:: window.overlay(destwin[, sminrow, smincol, dminrow, dmincol, dmaxrow, dmaxcol])
1134
1135   Overlay the window on top of *destwin*. The windows need not be the same size,
1136   only the overlapping region is copied. This copy is non-destructive, which means
1137   that the current background character does not overwrite the old contents of
1138   *destwin*.
1139
1140   To get fine-grained control over the copied region, the second form of
1141   :meth:`overlay` can be used. *sminrow* and *smincol* are the upper-left
1142   coordinates of the source window, and the other variables mark a rectangle in
1143   the destination window.
1144
1145
1146.. method:: window.overwrite(destwin[, sminrow, smincol, dminrow, dmincol, dmaxrow, dmaxcol])
1147
1148   Overwrite the window on top of *destwin*. The windows need not be the same size,
1149   in which case only the overlapping region is copied. This copy is destructive,
1150   which means that the current background character overwrites the old contents of
1151   *destwin*.
1152
1153   To get fine-grained control over the copied region, the second form of
1154   :meth:`overwrite` can be used. *sminrow* and *smincol* are the upper-left
1155   coordinates of the source window, the other variables mark a rectangle in the
1156   destination window.
1157
1158
1159.. method:: window.putwin(file)
1160
1161   Write all data associated with the window into the provided file object.  This
1162   information can be later retrieved using the :func:`getwin` function.
1163
1164
1165.. method:: window.redrawln(beg, num)
1166
1167   Indicate that the *num* screen lines, starting at line *beg*, are corrupted and
1168   should be completely redrawn on the next :meth:`refresh` call.
1169
1170
1171.. method:: window.redrawwin()
1172
1173   Touch the entire window, causing it to be completely redrawn on the next
1174   :meth:`refresh` call.
1175
1176
1177.. method:: window.refresh([pminrow, pmincol, sminrow, smincol, smaxrow, smaxcol])
1178
1179   Update the display immediately (sync actual screen with previous
1180   drawing/deleting methods).
1181
1182   The 6 optional arguments can only be specified when the window is a pad created
1183   with :func:`newpad`.  The additional parameters are needed to indicate what part
1184   of the pad and screen are involved. *pminrow* and *pmincol* specify the upper
1185   left-hand corner of the rectangle to be displayed in the pad.  *sminrow*,
1186   *smincol*, *smaxrow*, and *smaxcol* specify the edges of the rectangle to be
1187   displayed on the screen.  The lower right-hand corner of the rectangle to be
1188   displayed in the pad is calculated from the screen coordinates, since the
1189   rectangles must be the same size.  Both rectangles must be entirely contained
1190   within their respective structures.  Negative values of *pminrow*, *pmincol*,
1191   *sminrow*, or *smincol* are treated as if they were zero.
1192
1193
1194.. method:: window.resize(nlines, ncols)
1195
1196   Reallocate storage for a curses window to adjust its dimensions to the
1197   specified values.  If either dimension is larger than the current values, the
1198   window's data is filled with blanks that have the current background
1199   rendition (as set by :meth:`bkgdset`) merged into them.
1200
1201
1202.. method:: window.scroll([lines=1])
1203
1204   Scroll the screen or scrolling region upward by *lines* lines.
1205
1206
1207.. method:: window.scrollok(flag)
1208
1209   Control what happens when the cursor of a window is moved off the edge of the
1210   window or scrolling region, either as a result of a newline action on the bottom
1211   line, or typing the last character of the last line.  If *flag* is ``False``, the
1212   cursor is left on the bottom line.  If *flag* is ``True``, the window is scrolled up
1213   one line.  Note that in order to get the physical scrolling effect on the
1214   terminal, it is also necessary to call :meth:`idlok`.
1215
1216
1217.. method:: window.setscrreg(top, bottom)
1218
1219   Set the scrolling region from line *top* to line *bottom*. All scrolling actions
1220   will take place in this region.
1221
1222
1223.. method:: window.standend()
1224
1225   Turn off the standout attribute.  On some terminals this has the side effect of
1226   turning off all attributes.
1227
1228
1229.. method:: window.standout()
1230
1231   Turn on attribute *A_STANDOUT*.
1232
1233
1234.. method:: window.subpad(begin_y, begin_x)
1235            window.subpad(nlines, ncols, begin_y, begin_x)
1236
1237   Return a sub-window, whose upper-left corner is at ``(begin_y, begin_x)``, and
1238   whose width/height is *ncols*/*nlines*.
1239
1240
1241.. method:: window.subwin(begin_y, begin_x)
1242            window.subwin(nlines, ncols, begin_y, begin_x)
1243
1244   Return a sub-window, whose upper-left corner is at ``(begin_y, begin_x)``, and
1245   whose width/height is *ncols*/*nlines*.
1246
1247   By default, the sub-window will extend from the specified position to the lower
1248   right corner of the window.
1249
1250
1251.. method:: window.syncdown()
1252
1253   Touch each location in the window that has been touched in any of its ancestor
1254   windows.  This routine is called by :meth:`refresh`, so it should almost never
1255   be necessary to call it manually.
1256
1257
1258.. method:: window.syncok(flag)
1259
1260   If *flag* is ``True``, then :meth:`syncup` is called automatically
1261   whenever there is a change in the window.
1262
1263
1264.. method:: window.syncup()
1265
1266   Touch all locations in ancestors of the window that have been changed in  the
1267   window.
1268
1269
1270.. method:: window.timeout(delay)
1271
1272   Set blocking or non-blocking read behavior for the window.  If *delay* is
1273   negative, blocking read is used (which will wait indefinitely for input).  If
1274   *delay* is zero, then non-blocking read is used, and :meth:`getch` will
1275   return ``-1`` if no input is waiting.  If *delay* is positive, then
1276   :meth:`getch` will block for *delay* milliseconds, and return ``-1`` if there is
1277   still no input at the end of that time.
1278
1279
1280.. method:: window.touchline(start, count[, changed])
1281
1282   Pretend *count* lines have been changed, starting with line *start*.  If
1283   *changed* is supplied, it specifies whether the affected lines are marked as
1284   having been changed (*changed*\ ``=True``) or unchanged (*changed*\ ``=False``).
1285
1286
1287.. method:: window.touchwin()
1288
1289   Pretend the whole window has been changed, for purposes of drawing
1290   optimizations.
1291
1292
1293.. method:: window.untouchwin()
1294
1295   Mark all lines in  the  window  as unchanged since the last call to
1296   :meth:`refresh`.
1297
1298
1299.. method:: window.vline(ch, n)
1300            window.vline(y, x, ch, n)
1301
1302   Display a vertical line starting at ``(y, x)`` with length *n* consisting of the
1303   character *ch*.
1304
1305
1306Constants
1307---------
1308
1309The :mod:`curses` module defines the following data members:
1310
1311
1312.. data:: ERR
1313
1314   Some curses routines  that  return  an integer, such as :meth:`~window.getch`, return
1315   :const:`ERR` upon failure.
1316
1317
1318.. data:: OK
1319
1320   Some curses routines  that  return  an integer, such as  :func:`napms`, return
1321   :const:`OK` upon success.
1322
1323
1324.. data:: version
1325
1326   A bytes object representing the current version of the module.  Also available as
1327   :const:`__version__`.
1328
1329
1330.. data:: ncurses_version
1331
1332   A named tuple containing the three components of the ncurses library
1333   version: *major*, *minor*, and *patch*.  All values are integers.  The
1334   components can also be accessed by name,  so ``curses.ncurses_version[0]``
1335   is equivalent to ``curses.ncurses_version.major`` and so on.
1336
1337   Availability: if the ncurses library is used.
1338
1339   .. versionadded:: 3.8
1340
1341
1342Some constants are available to specify character cell attributes.
1343The exact constants available are system dependent.
1344
1345+------------------+-------------------------------+
1346| Attribute        | Meaning                       |
1347+==================+===============================+
1348| ``A_ALTCHARSET`` | Alternate character set mode  |
1349+------------------+-------------------------------+
1350| ``A_BLINK``      | Blink mode                    |
1351+------------------+-------------------------------+
1352| ``A_BOLD``       | Bold mode                     |
1353+------------------+-------------------------------+
1354| ``A_DIM``        | Dim mode                      |
1355+------------------+-------------------------------+
1356| ``A_INVIS``      | Invisible or blank mode       |
1357+------------------+-------------------------------+
1358| ``A_ITALIC``     | Italic mode                   |
1359+------------------+-------------------------------+
1360| ``A_NORMAL``     | Normal attribute              |
1361+------------------+-------------------------------+
1362| ``A_PROTECT``    | Protected mode                |
1363+------------------+-------------------------------+
1364| ``A_REVERSE``    | Reverse background and        |
1365|                  | foreground colors             |
1366+------------------+-------------------------------+
1367| ``A_STANDOUT``   | Standout mode                 |
1368+------------------+-------------------------------+
1369| ``A_UNDERLINE``  | Underline mode                |
1370+------------------+-------------------------------+
1371| ``A_HORIZONTAL`` | Horizontal highlight          |
1372+------------------+-------------------------------+
1373| ``A_LEFT``       | Left highlight                |
1374+------------------+-------------------------------+
1375| ``A_LOW``        | Low highlight                 |
1376+------------------+-------------------------------+
1377| ``A_RIGHT``      | Right highlight               |
1378+------------------+-------------------------------+
1379| ``A_TOP``        | Top highlight                 |
1380+------------------+-------------------------------+
1381| ``A_VERTICAL``   | Vertical highlight            |
1382+------------------+-------------------------------+
1383| ``A_CHARTEXT``   | Bit-mask to extract a         |
1384|                  | character                     |
1385+------------------+-------------------------------+
1386
1387.. versionadded:: 3.7
1388   ``A_ITALIC`` was added.
1389
1390Several constants are available to extract corresponding attributes returned
1391by some methods.
1392
1393+------------------+-------------------------------+
1394| Bit-mask         | Meaning                       |
1395+==================+===============================+
1396| ``A_ATTRIBUTES`` | Bit-mask to extract           |
1397|                  | attributes                    |
1398+------------------+-------------------------------+
1399| ``A_CHARTEXT``   | Bit-mask to extract a         |
1400|                  | character                     |
1401+------------------+-------------------------------+
1402| ``A_COLOR``      | Bit-mask to extract           |
1403|                  | color-pair field information  |
1404+------------------+-------------------------------+
1405
1406Keys are referred to by integer constants with names starting with  ``KEY_``.
1407The exact keycaps available are system dependent.
1408
1409.. XXX this table is far too large! should it be alphabetized?
1410
1411+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1412| Key constant      | Key                                        |
1413+===================+============================================+
1414| ``KEY_MIN``       | Minimum key value                          |
1415+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1416| ``KEY_BREAK``     | Break key (unreliable)                     |
1417+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1418| ``KEY_DOWN``      | Down-arrow                                 |
1419+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1420| ``KEY_UP``        | Up-arrow                                   |
1421+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1422| ``KEY_LEFT``      | Left-arrow                                 |
1423+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1424| ``KEY_RIGHT``     | Right-arrow                                |
1425+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1426| ``KEY_HOME``      | Home key (upward+left arrow)               |
1427+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1428| ``KEY_BACKSPACE`` | Backspace (unreliable)                     |
1429+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1430| ``KEY_F0``        | Function keys.  Up to 64 function keys are |
1431|                   | supported.                                 |
1432+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1433| ``KEY_Fn``        | Value of function key *n*                  |
1434+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1435| ``KEY_DL``        | Delete line                                |
1436+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1437| ``KEY_IL``        | Insert line                                |
1438+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1439| ``KEY_DC``        | Delete character                           |
1440+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1441| ``KEY_IC``        | Insert char or enter insert mode           |
1442+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1443| ``KEY_EIC``       | Exit insert char mode                      |
1444+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1445| ``KEY_CLEAR``     | Clear screen                               |
1446+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1447| ``KEY_EOS``       | Clear to end of screen                     |
1448+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1449| ``KEY_EOL``       | Clear to end of line                       |
1450+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1451| ``KEY_SF``        | Scroll 1 line forward                      |
1452+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1453| ``KEY_SR``        | Scroll 1 line backward (reverse)           |
1454+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1455| ``KEY_NPAGE``     | Next page                                  |
1456+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1457| ``KEY_PPAGE``     | Previous page                              |
1458+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1459| ``KEY_STAB``      | Set tab                                    |
1460+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1461| ``KEY_CTAB``      | Clear tab                                  |
1462+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1463| ``KEY_CATAB``     | Clear all tabs                             |
1464+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1465| ``KEY_ENTER``     | Enter or send (unreliable)                 |
1466+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1467| ``KEY_SRESET``    | Soft (partial) reset (unreliable)          |
1468+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1469| ``KEY_RESET``     | Reset or hard reset (unreliable)           |
1470+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1471| ``KEY_PRINT``     | Print                                      |
1472+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1473| ``KEY_LL``        | Home down or bottom (lower left)           |
1474+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1475| ``KEY_A1``        | Upper left of keypad                       |
1476+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1477| ``KEY_A3``        | Upper right of keypad                      |
1478+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1479| ``KEY_B2``        | Center of keypad                           |
1480+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1481| ``KEY_C1``        | Lower left of keypad                       |
1482+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1483| ``KEY_C3``        | Lower right of keypad                      |
1484+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1485| ``KEY_BTAB``      | Back tab                                   |
1486+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1487| ``KEY_BEG``       | Beg (beginning)                            |
1488+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1489| ``KEY_CANCEL``    | Cancel                                     |
1490+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1491| ``KEY_CLOSE``     | Close                                      |
1492+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1493| ``KEY_COMMAND``   | Cmd (command)                              |
1494+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1495| ``KEY_COPY``      | Copy                                       |
1496+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1497| ``KEY_CREATE``    | Create                                     |
1498+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1499| ``KEY_END``       | End                                        |
1500+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1501| ``KEY_EXIT``      | Exit                                       |
1502+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1503| ``KEY_FIND``      | Find                                       |
1504+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1505| ``KEY_HELP``      | Help                                       |
1506+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1507| ``KEY_MARK``      | Mark                                       |
1508+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1509| ``KEY_MESSAGE``   | Message                                    |
1510+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1511| ``KEY_MOVE``      | Move                                       |
1512+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1513| ``KEY_NEXT``      | Next                                       |
1514+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1515| ``KEY_OPEN``      | Open                                       |
1516+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1517| ``KEY_OPTIONS``   | Options                                    |
1518+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1519| ``KEY_PREVIOUS``  | Prev (previous)                            |
1520+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1521| ``KEY_REDO``      | Redo                                       |
1522+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1523| ``KEY_REFERENCE`` | Ref (reference)                            |
1524+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1525| ``KEY_REFRESH``   | Refresh                                    |
1526+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1527| ``KEY_REPLACE``   | Replace                                    |
1528+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1529| ``KEY_RESTART``   | Restart                                    |
1530+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1531| ``KEY_RESUME``    | Resume                                     |
1532+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1533| ``KEY_SAVE``      | Save                                       |
1534+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1535| ``KEY_SBEG``      | Shifted Beg (beginning)                    |
1536+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1537| ``KEY_SCANCEL``   | Shifted Cancel                             |
1538+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1539| ``KEY_SCOMMAND``  | Shifted Command                            |
1540+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1541| ``KEY_SCOPY``     | Shifted Copy                               |
1542+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1543| ``KEY_SCREATE``   | Shifted Create                             |
1544+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1545| ``KEY_SDC``       | Shifted Delete char                        |
1546+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1547| ``KEY_SDL``       | Shifted Delete line                        |
1548+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1549| ``KEY_SELECT``    | Select                                     |
1550+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1551| ``KEY_SEND``      | Shifted End                                |
1552+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1553| ``KEY_SEOL``      | Shifted Clear line                         |
1554+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1555| ``KEY_SEXIT``     | Shifted Exit                               |
1556+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1557| ``KEY_SFIND``     | Shifted Find                               |
1558+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1559| ``KEY_SHELP``     | Shifted Help                               |
1560+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1561| ``KEY_SHOME``     | Shifted Home                               |
1562+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1563| ``KEY_SIC``       | Shifted Input                              |
1564+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1565| ``KEY_SLEFT``     | Shifted Left arrow                         |
1566+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1567| ``KEY_SMESSAGE``  | Shifted Message                            |
1568+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1569| ``KEY_SMOVE``     | Shifted Move                               |
1570+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1571| ``KEY_SNEXT``     | Shifted Next                               |
1572+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1573| ``KEY_SOPTIONS``  | Shifted Options                            |
1574+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1575| ``KEY_SPREVIOUS`` | Shifted Prev                               |
1576+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1577| ``KEY_SPRINT``    | Shifted Print                              |
1578+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1579| ``KEY_SREDO``     | Shifted Redo                               |
1580+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1581| ``KEY_SREPLACE``  | Shifted Replace                            |
1582+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1583| ``KEY_SRIGHT``    | Shifted Right arrow                        |
1584+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1585| ``KEY_SRSUME``    | Shifted Resume                             |
1586+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1587| ``KEY_SSAVE``     | Shifted Save                               |
1588+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1589| ``KEY_SSUSPEND``  | Shifted Suspend                            |
1590+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1591| ``KEY_SUNDO``     | Shifted Undo                               |
1592+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1593| ``KEY_SUSPEND``   | Suspend                                    |
1594+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1595| ``KEY_UNDO``      | Undo                                       |
1596+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1597| ``KEY_MOUSE``     | Mouse event has occurred                   |
1598+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1599| ``KEY_RESIZE``    | Terminal resize event                      |
1600+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1601| ``KEY_MAX``       | Maximum key value                          |
1602+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
1603
1604On VT100s and their software emulations, such as X terminal emulators, there are
1605normally at least four function keys (:const:`KEY_F1`, :const:`KEY_F2`,
1606:const:`KEY_F3`, :const:`KEY_F4`) available, and the arrow keys mapped to
1607:const:`KEY_UP`, :const:`KEY_DOWN`, :const:`KEY_LEFT` and :const:`KEY_RIGHT` in
1608the obvious way.  If your machine has a PC keyboard, it is safe to expect arrow
1609keys and twelve function keys (older PC keyboards may have only ten function
1610keys); also, the following keypad mappings are standard:
1611
1612+------------------+-----------+
1613| Keycap           | Constant  |
1614+==================+===========+
1615| :kbd:`Insert`    | KEY_IC    |
1616+------------------+-----------+
1617| :kbd:`Delete`    | KEY_DC    |
1618+------------------+-----------+
1619| :kbd:`Home`      | KEY_HOME  |
1620+------------------+-----------+
1621| :kbd:`End`       | KEY_END   |
1622+------------------+-----------+
1623| :kbd:`Page Up`   | KEY_PPAGE |
1624+------------------+-----------+
1625| :kbd:`Page Down` | KEY_NPAGE |
1626+------------------+-----------+
1627
1628The following table lists characters from the alternate character set. These are
1629inherited from the VT100 terminal, and will generally be  available on software
1630emulations such as X terminals.  When there is no graphic available, curses
1631falls back on a crude printable ASCII approximation.
1632
1633.. note::
1634
1635   These are available only after :func:`initscr` has  been called.
1636
1637+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1638| ACS code         | Meaning                                  |
1639+==================+==========================================+
1640| ``ACS_BBSS``     | alternate name for upper right corner    |
1641+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1642| ``ACS_BLOCK``    | solid square block                       |
1643+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1644| ``ACS_BOARD``    | board of squares                         |
1645+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1646| ``ACS_BSBS``     | alternate name for horizontal line       |
1647+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1648| ``ACS_BSSB``     | alternate name for upper left corner     |
1649+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1650| ``ACS_BSSS``     | alternate name for top tee               |
1651+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1652| ``ACS_BTEE``     | bottom tee                               |
1653+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1654| ``ACS_BULLET``   | bullet                                   |
1655+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1656| ``ACS_CKBOARD``  | checker board (stipple)                  |
1657+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1658| ``ACS_DARROW``   | arrow pointing down                      |
1659+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1660| ``ACS_DEGREE``   | degree symbol                            |
1661+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1662| ``ACS_DIAMOND``  | diamond                                  |
1663+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1664| ``ACS_GEQUAL``   | greater-than-or-equal-to                 |
1665+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1666| ``ACS_HLINE``    | horizontal line                          |
1667+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1668| ``ACS_LANTERN``  | lantern symbol                           |
1669+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1670| ``ACS_LARROW``   | left arrow                               |
1671+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1672| ``ACS_LEQUAL``   | less-than-or-equal-to                    |
1673+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1674| ``ACS_LLCORNER`` | lower left-hand corner                   |
1675+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1676| ``ACS_LRCORNER`` | lower right-hand corner                  |
1677+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1678| ``ACS_LTEE``     | left tee                                 |
1679+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1680| ``ACS_NEQUAL``   | not-equal sign                           |
1681+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1682| ``ACS_PI``       | letter pi                                |
1683+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1684| ``ACS_PLMINUS``  | plus-or-minus sign                       |
1685+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1686| ``ACS_PLUS``     | big plus sign                            |
1687+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1688| ``ACS_RARROW``   | right arrow                              |
1689+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1690| ``ACS_RTEE``     | right tee                                |
1691+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1692| ``ACS_S1``       | scan line 1                              |
1693+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1694| ``ACS_S3``       | scan line 3                              |
1695+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1696| ``ACS_S7``       | scan line 7                              |
1697+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1698| ``ACS_S9``       | scan line 9                              |
1699+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1700| ``ACS_SBBS``     | alternate name for lower right corner    |
1701+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1702| ``ACS_SBSB``     | alternate name for vertical line         |
1703+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1704| ``ACS_SBSS``     | alternate name for right tee             |
1705+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1706| ``ACS_SSBB``     | alternate name for lower left corner     |
1707+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1708| ``ACS_SSBS``     | alternate name for bottom tee            |
1709+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1710| ``ACS_SSSB``     | alternate name for left tee              |
1711+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1712| ``ACS_SSSS``     | alternate name for crossover or big plus |
1713+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1714| ``ACS_STERLING`` | pound sterling                           |
1715+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1716| ``ACS_TTEE``     | top tee                                  |
1717+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1718| ``ACS_UARROW``   | up arrow                                 |
1719+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1720| ``ACS_ULCORNER`` | upper left corner                        |
1721+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1722| ``ACS_URCORNER`` | upper right corner                       |
1723+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1724| ``ACS_VLINE``    | vertical line                            |
1725+------------------+------------------------------------------+
1726
1727The following table lists the predefined colors:
1728
1729+-------------------+----------------------------+
1730| Constant          | Color                      |
1731+===================+============================+
1732| ``COLOR_BLACK``   | Black                      |
1733+-------------------+----------------------------+
1734| ``COLOR_BLUE``    | Blue                       |
1735+-------------------+----------------------------+
1736| ``COLOR_CYAN``    | Cyan (light greenish blue) |
1737+-------------------+----------------------------+
1738| ``COLOR_GREEN``   | Green                      |
1739+-------------------+----------------------------+
1740| ``COLOR_MAGENTA`` | Magenta (purplish red)     |
1741+-------------------+----------------------------+
1742| ``COLOR_RED``     | Red                        |
1743+-------------------+----------------------------+
1744| ``COLOR_WHITE``   | White                      |
1745+-------------------+----------------------------+
1746| ``COLOR_YELLOW``  | Yellow                     |
1747+-------------------+----------------------------+
1748
1749
1750:mod:`curses.textpad` --- Text input widget for curses programs
1751===============================================================
1752
1753.. module:: curses.textpad
1754   :synopsis: Emacs-like input editing in a curses window.
1755.. moduleauthor:: Eric Raymond <esr@thyrsus.com>
1756.. sectionauthor:: Eric Raymond <esr@thyrsus.com>
1757
1758
1759The :mod:`curses.textpad` module provides a :class:`Textbox` class that handles
1760elementary text editing in a curses window, supporting a set of keybindings
1761resembling those of Emacs (thus, also of Netscape Navigator, BBedit 6.x,
1762FrameMaker, and many other programs).  The module also provides a
1763rectangle-drawing function useful for framing text boxes or for other purposes.
1764
1765The module :mod:`curses.textpad` defines the following function:
1766
1767
1768.. function:: rectangle(win, uly, ulx, lry, lrx)
1769
1770   Draw a rectangle.  The first argument must be a window object; the remaining
1771   arguments are coordinates relative to that window.  The second and third
1772   arguments are the y and x coordinates of the upper left hand corner of the
1773   rectangle to be drawn; the fourth and fifth arguments are the y and x
1774   coordinates of the lower right hand corner. The rectangle will be drawn using
1775   VT100/IBM PC forms characters on terminals that make this possible (including
1776   xterm and most other software terminal emulators).  Otherwise it will be drawn
1777   with ASCII  dashes, vertical bars, and plus signs.
1778
1779
1780.. _curses-textpad-objects:
1781
1782Textbox objects
1783---------------
1784
1785You can instantiate a :class:`Textbox` object as follows:
1786
1787
1788.. class:: Textbox(win)
1789
1790   Return a textbox widget object.  The *win* argument should be a curses
1791   :ref:`window <curses-window-objects>` object in which the textbox is to
1792   be contained. The edit cursor of the textbox is initially located at the
1793   upper left hand corner of the containing window, with coordinates ``(0, 0)``.
1794   The instance's :attr:`stripspaces` flag is initially on.
1795
1796   :class:`Textbox` objects have the following methods:
1797
1798
1799   .. method:: edit([validator])
1800
1801      This is the entry point you will normally use.  It accepts editing
1802      keystrokes until one of the termination keystrokes is entered.  If
1803      *validator* is supplied, it must be a function.  It will be called for
1804      each keystroke entered with the keystroke as a parameter; command dispatch
1805      is done on the result. This method returns the window contents as a
1806      string; whether blanks in the window are included is affected by the
1807      :attr:`stripspaces` attribute.
1808
1809
1810   .. method:: do_command(ch)
1811
1812      Process a single command keystroke.  Here are the supported special
1813      keystrokes:
1814
1815      +------------------+-------------------------------------------+
1816      | Keystroke        | Action                                    |
1817      +==================+===========================================+
1818      | :kbd:`Control-A` | Go to left edge of window.                |
1819      +------------------+-------------------------------------------+
1820      | :kbd:`Control-B` | Cursor left, wrapping to previous line if |
1821      |                  | appropriate.                              |
1822      +------------------+-------------------------------------------+
1823      | :kbd:`Control-D` | Delete character under cursor.            |
1824      +------------------+-------------------------------------------+
1825      | :kbd:`Control-E` | Go to right edge (stripspaces off) or end |
1826      |                  | of line (stripspaces on).                 |
1827      +------------------+-------------------------------------------+
1828      | :kbd:`Control-F` | Cursor right, wrapping to next line when  |
1829      |                  | appropriate.                              |
1830      +------------------+-------------------------------------------+
1831      | :kbd:`Control-G` | Terminate, returning the window contents. |
1832      +------------------+-------------------------------------------+
1833      | :kbd:`Control-H` | Delete character backward.                |
1834      +------------------+-------------------------------------------+
1835      | :kbd:`Control-J` | Terminate if the window is 1 line,        |
1836      |                  | otherwise insert newline.                 |
1837      +------------------+-------------------------------------------+
1838      | :kbd:`Control-K` | If line is blank, delete it, otherwise    |
1839      |                  | clear to end of line.                     |
1840      +------------------+-------------------------------------------+
1841      | :kbd:`Control-L` | Refresh screen.                           |
1842      +------------------+-------------------------------------------+
1843      | :kbd:`Control-N` | Cursor down; move down one line.          |
1844      +------------------+-------------------------------------------+
1845      | :kbd:`Control-O` | Insert a blank line at cursor location.   |
1846      +------------------+-------------------------------------------+
1847      | :kbd:`Control-P` | Cursor up; move up one line.              |
1848      +------------------+-------------------------------------------+
1849
1850      Move operations do nothing if the cursor is at an edge where the movement
1851      is not possible.  The following synonyms are supported where possible:
1852
1853      +------------------------+------------------+
1854      | Constant               | Keystroke        |
1855      +========================+==================+
1856      | :const:`KEY_LEFT`      | :kbd:`Control-B` |
1857      +------------------------+------------------+
1858      | :const:`KEY_RIGHT`     | :kbd:`Control-F` |
1859      +------------------------+------------------+
1860      | :const:`KEY_UP`        | :kbd:`Control-P` |
1861      +------------------------+------------------+
1862      | :const:`KEY_DOWN`      | :kbd:`Control-N` |
1863      +------------------------+------------------+
1864      | :const:`KEY_BACKSPACE` | :kbd:`Control-h` |
1865      +------------------------+------------------+
1866
1867      All other keystrokes are treated as a command to insert the given
1868      character and move right (with line wrapping).
1869
1870
1871   .. method:: gather()
1872
1873      Return the window contents as a string; whether blanks in the
1874      window are included is affected by the :attr:`stripspaces` member.
1875
1876
1877   .. attribute:: stripspaces
1878
1879      This attribute is a flag which controls the interpretation of blanks in
1880      the window.  When it is on, trailing blanks on each line are ignored; any
1881      cursor motion that would land the cursor on a trailing blank goes to the
1882      end of that line instead, and trailing blanks are stripped when the window
1883      contents are gathered.
1884