How to use the command "boxes" (with examples)

The boxes command is a versatile tool that allows users to draw, remove, and repair ASCII art boxes. It provides various options for customizing the design, size, and placement of the boxes. This article will provide examples of different use cases of the boxes command to illustrate its functionalities.

Use case 1: Draw a box around a string

Code:

echo "string" | boxes

Motivation:

This use case is helpful when you want to add an aesthetic touch to plain text or emphasize a specific string within a larger document. Drawing a box around the string can make it stand out and catch the reader’s attention.

Explanation:

In this use case, the boxes command is used in conjunction with the echo command to draw a box around the string. The pipe (|) symbol redirects the output of the echo command as input to the boxes command.

Example output:

+-------+
| string|
+-------+

Use case 2: Remove a box from a string

Code:

echo "string" | boxes -r

Motivation:

You may encounter situations where you have a boxed string that needs to be extracted or manipulated without the box. Removing the box using the boxes command allows you to work with the string itself and disregard the decorative box.

Explanation:

In this use case, the -r option is added to the boxes command to remove the box from the string. The pipe (|) symbol redirects the output of the echo command as input to the boxes command.

Example output:

string

Use case 3: Draw a box with a specific design around a string

Code:

echo "string" | boxes -d parchment

Motivation:

The default design of the box might not always fit the aesthetic requirements of your document. The -d option allows you to customize the design of the box to achieve a desired visual effect.

Explanation:

In this use case, the -d option followed by the design name ‘parchment’ is added to the boxes command to draw a box with a parchment-style design around the string. The pipe (|) symbol redirects the output of the echo command as input to the boxes command.

Example output:

._____.
|string|
|_____.|

Use case 4: Draw a box with a width of 10 and a height of 5

Code:

echo "string" | boxes -s 10x5

Motivation:

Specifying the width and height of the box allows for precise control over the size and proportions of the box. This can be useful when you want to fit the box within a specific layout or keep the dimensions consistent with other elements.

Explanation:

In this use case, the -s option followed by the dimensions ‘10x5’ is added to the boxes command to draw a box with a width of 10 and a height of 5 around the string. The pipe (|) symbol redirects the output of the echo command as input to the boxes command.

Example output:

+-----------+
|  string   |
+-----------+

Use Case 5: Draw a box with centered text

Code:

echo "string" | boxes -a c

Motivation:

In certain scenarios, aligning the text within the box can improve the overall appearance and readability of the document. Centering the text ensures that it is visually balanced within the box.

Explanation:

In this use case, the -a option followed by ‘c’ for center alignment is added to the boxes command to draw a box with the text centered within it. The pipe (|) symbol redirects the output of the echo command as input to the boxes command.

Example output:

+-------+
|string |
+-------+

Conclusion:

With the boxes command, you can enhance your text by adding attractive boxes around it. You can customize the design, size, and alignment of the boxes to suit your preferences and requirements. These use cases demonstrate the versatility of the boxes command and provide a starting point for exploring its many possibilities.