tput MacOS Command Guide

The MacOS tput command is a powerful tool for controlling terminal output and cursor positioning. It allows users to manipulate various terminal capabilities such as colors, cursor movement, and text attributes. By using tput, users can enhance the visual appearance of their scripts and create dynamic and interactive terminal interfaces. With its easy-to-use syntax and wide range of functionality, tput is an essential command for any MacOS user looking to streamline their terminal workflow.

tput Syntax:

tput [option] [parameter]

Options:

Option	Description
clear	Clear the screen
cup	Move cursor to specified position
bold	Set bold mode
dim	Set dim mode
smul	Start underline mode
rmul	End underline mode
rev	Set reverse video mode

Parameters:

Parameter	Description
sgr0	Turn off all attributes (ANSI escape)
setaf	Set foreground color (ANSI escape)
setab	Set background color (ANSI escape)
blink	Set blink mode
civis	Make cursor invisible

Caution

Use the tput command with caution as it directly interacts with the terminal settings and can impact the display and functionality of the terminal. Incorrect usage of options or parameters may lead to unexpected outcomes.

tput Command Samples:

Change Text Color to Red

tput setaf 1

This command changes the text color to red.

Change Background Color to Green

tput setab 2

This command changes the background color to green.

Reset Text Color to Default

tput sgr0

This command resets the text color to the default setting.

Hide Cursor

tput civis

This command hides the cursor.

Show Cursor

tput cnorm

This command shows the cursor.

Move Cursor to Specific Position

tput cup 5 10

The command moves the cursor to the 5th row and 10th column on the terminal screen.

Get Terminal Size

tput cols
tput lines

These commands display the number of columns and lines in the terminal window, respectively.

Tip

When using the tput command in MacOS, make sure to consult the manual (man tput) for a full list of options and capabilities. Additionally, combining tput with other shell commands can enhance the functionality and customization of your scripts and terminal sessions.

How do I use tput in MacOS?

To use the tput command in MacOS, execute the following command:

tput --option <value>

What is the purpose of tput in MacOS?

The tput command in MacOS is used to query and set terminal capabilities such as cursor movement, text coloring, and terminal modes.

How do I change the text color using tput in MacOS?

To change the text color using tput in MacOS, you can use the following command to set the text color to red:

tput setaf 1

Can tput in MacOS be used to move the cursor position?

Yes, tput in MacOS can be used to move the cursor position. For example, the following command moves the cursor to the 10th column and 5th row:

tput cup 5 10

How can I clear the screen using tput in MacOS?

To clear the screen using tput in MacOS, you can use the following command:

tput clear

Is it possible to set bold text using tput in MacOS?

Yes, you can set bold text using tput in MacOS. The following command sets the text to bold:

tput bold

Applications of the tput command

• Clear the screen
• Move the cursor to a specific position
• Get the number of columns on the current terminal
• Change text attributes like bold, underline, etc.
• Change text colors
• Save the current cursor position
• Restore the saved cursor position
• Hide or show the cursor