Curses

• To get data types:
  • #include <ncurses.h>
• To link the library:
  • -lncurses when compiling

Functions

• WINDOW *initscr(void)
  • Initialize ncurses window
• int raw(void)
  • Turns off buffered I/O
  • We can read one byte at a time, no need to wait for user to hit enter
• int noecho(void)
  • Doesn't echo input to the terminal
• int curs_set(int visibility)
  • Make cursor invisible with visibility of 0
• int keypad(WINDOW *win, bool bf)
  • Turns on the keypad
• int endwin(void)
  • Deinitializes the WINDOW
  • returns resources to the system
  • NOTE: If your program crashes and corrupts the terminal, run the reset command.

Reading input

• int getch(void)
  • Read a single key code
  • Blocking call

Displaying

• int clear(void)
  • Before redrawing, use this
• int mvaddch(int y, int x, const chtype ch)
  • Move cursor to (y, x) and write ch to that position
• int refresh(void)
  • Redraw the terminal