How to Use the Command 'boxes' (with Examples)

The ‘boxes’ command is a versatile tool in Unix-based systems designed to draw, remove, and repair ASCII art boxes around text strings. It’s particularly useful for formatting console outputs, creating visually separated sections in scripts, or simply adding a decorative touch to text outputs in command-line applications. With various options available, users can customize the appearance, size, and alignment of these boxes, allowing a high degree of flexibility for different use cases.

Use Case 1: Drawing a Box Around a String

Code:

echo "string" | boxes

Motivation:

The primary purpose of this example is to encapsulate a string within a visual bounding box, making the string stand out in console output. This can be particularly useful for highlighting sections in scripts or logs, making it easier for users to distinguish between different outputs.

Explanation:

• echo "string": This part of the command generates the string that you want to be displayed.
• | boxes: The pipe operator (|) takes the output from the echo command and passes it as an input to the boxes command, which in turn, draws a standard ASCII box around the text.

Example Output:

/-------\
|string |
\-------/

Use Case 2: Removing a Box from a String

Code:

echo "string" | boxes -r

Motivation:

Sometimes, you may need to strip away previously added ASCII decorations to process or transform the text further. This is useful in cleaning up outputs or logs where boxes are no longer relevant or before reformatting them differently.

Explanation:

• -r: This option specifies that the existing box around the input text should be removed, returning it to its plain state.

Example Output:

string

Use Case 3: Specifying the Box Design

Code:

echo "string" | boxes -d parchment

Motivation:

When the standard box design is either too plain or unsuitable for the intended aesthetic, altering the box design can provide a more suitable or visually appealing presentation. This feature allows for more creative freedom and customization in output formatting.

Explanation:

• -d parchment: The -d option lets you specify a pre-defined box style. In this case, ‘parchment’ is used to give a distinct, decorative design that might be more reminiscent of old-style manuscripts or scripts.

Example Output:

.---------.
| string  |
'---------'

Use Case 4: Specifying the Box Size

Code:

echo "string" | boxes -s 10x5

Motivation:

Adjusting the size of the box allows for precise control over its dimensions, which is useful when integrating text boxes into a larger text interface or display where spacing is critical. It ensures that the box fits perfectly within the layout constraints.

Explanation:

• -s 10x5: The -s option sets the dimensions of the box, with ‘10’ representing the width (in columns) and ‘5’ representing the height (in lines).

Example Output:

/********\
*        *
* string *
*        *
\********/

Use Case 5: Aligning the Box Text Horizontally

Code:

echo "string" | boxes -a hc

Motivation:

Horizontal alignment is essential for maintaining a consistent and professional-looking output, especially when dealing with multiple lines of text. Centering text can make headings or entries appear more balanced.

Explanation:

• -a hc: The -a option is used for alignment specifications. Here, ‘h’ stands for horizontal alignment and ‘c’ specifies that the text should be centered horizontally inside the box.

Example Output:

/-------\
|string |
\-------/

Use Case 6: Aligning the Box Text Vertically

Code:

echo "string" | boxes -a vc

Motivation:

Vertical text alignment enhances readability and aesthetic appeal, particularly in complex layouts with varying text lengths. It allows text to remain consistently positioned even when the amount of text within a box changes.

Explanation:

• -a vc: Similar to the horizontal alignment, ‘v’ stands for vertical alignment with ‘c’ indicating that the text be centered vertically within the box.

Example Output:

/-----\
|     |
|string|
|     |
\-----/

Use Case 7: Justifying the Box Text

Code:

echo "string" | boxes -a jl

Motivation:

Text justification is crucial for creating visually appealing text presentations that align with broader formatting standards. This capability is particularly useful in multi-box displays that need uniformity.

Explanation:

• -a jl: The -a option with ‘j’ denotes justification. The ’l’ specifies left justification, which aligns the text to the left margin within the box.

Example Output:

/-------\
|string |
\-------/

Conclusion:

The ‘boxes’ command offers a variety of functions to effectively draw, remove, and customize ASCII art boxes around text. By applying different options, users can tailor the visual output to match specific aesthetic or functional requisites. Whether you’re looking to highlight sections in your script, need a creative and unique ASCII design, or want exact spacing and alignment, ‘boxes’ provides an intuitive solution that’s easy to integrate into your command-line workflows.