How to Use the Command 'lolcat' (with examples)

Lolcat is a fun and whimsical command-line tool that colorizes output in the terminal, giving it a rainbow hue. It works by piping the output of standard input or files through the lolcat command, rendering text in vibrant, eye-catching colors. This tool offers several options, including static and animated coloring, and it even supports truecolor output for greater color depth. The idea is to add a bit of visual flair and entertainment to the often monochrome and dull world of terminal text.

Use case 1: Print a file to the console in rainbow colors

Code:

lolcat path/to/file

Motivation:

In the world of command-line interfaces, text output is usually quite plain and monochrome. Using lolcat to print a file in rainbow colors adds a fun and dynamic element to your console, making information more visually appealing. Whether you’re sharing logs, files, or messages with others, or just want to brighten up your terminal environment, lolcat can make the experience more enjoyable.

Explanation:

• lolcat: Invokes the lolcat command.
• path/to/file: Specifies the file you want to print with rainbow colors.

Example output:

Imagine you have a text file containing the lines:

Hello, World!
This is a colorful text output.
Enjoy the rainbow!

When you execute the command, each character of these lines will be printed in a different color, cycling through the hues of the rainbow, creating a visually striking and colorful text output in your console.

Use case 2: Print the result of a text-producing command in rainbow colors

Code:

fortune | lolcat

Motivation:

Sometimes, you might want to give a splash of color to dynamic and text-based outputs from other commands, such as fortune. This use-case demonstrates how lolcat can be used to colorize the output from other command-line utilities, making quick snippets of information more vibrant and visually engaging. It’s particularly useful for breaking the monotony of standard terminal text and making quick information, such as system messages or random quotes, more engaging.

Explanation:

• fortune: Generates random, humorous quotes or wisdoms.
• |: A pipe operator that takes the output of the fortune command and uses it as the input for lolcat.
• lolcat: Applies the rainbow color effect to the text output produced by the fortune command.

Example output:

A quote like “You will pass an auditing exam when you least expect it.” will display with each letter or segment of the text having a different color, cycling through the hues of the rainbow.

Use case 3: Print a file to the console with animated rainbow colors

Code:

lolcat -a path/to/file

Motivation:

Static colors can be captivating, but animating those rainbow hues can take the visual experience to another level. Using lolcat with animation adds motion to the colors, making the text output appear dynamic and lively. This usage is particularly appealing for presentations or situations where you want to draw attention and highlight the displayed text in a playful and engaging manner.

Explanation:

• lolcat: Initiates the lolcat command.
• -a: The -a flag enables the animation of colors, causing them to continuously change in shimmering patterns.
• path/to/file: Indicates the file you want the contents printed with animated rainbow colors.

Example output:

When viewing the file with content like:

Welcome to the show!
Let the colors dance with the letters.
Experience visual magic!

The output will appear as if the colors are flowing across each character, moving through the spectrum in a rhythmic wave, creating a mesmerizing effect on your terminal screen.

Use case 4: Print a file to the console with 24-bit (truecolor) rainbow colors

Code:

lolcat -t path/to/file

Motivation:

For those who crave the highest quality color output, lolcat can provide an impressive 24-bit truecolor display. Truecolor allows you to see more distinct colors, offering a richer and more detailed visual experience. If you’re interested in exploring the full potential of your terminal’s color capabilities or want to ensure that your colored text looks its absolute best, this option is perfect.

Explanation:

• lolcat: Executes the lolcat command.
• -t: Enables truecolor mode, granting access to 24-bit color depth for exceptionally vivid output.
• path/to/file: The file you want to be displayed using truecolor rainbows.

Example output:

When processing an input like:

Bringing colors to life!
Witness the depth of hues.
Truly exceptional color display!

Each letter will be displayed in a smooth color gradient, similar to a hi-resolution digital rainbow. This makes text appear sharper and more vibrant compared to standard 256-color displays.

Conclusion:

Using lolcat in various ways adds a splash of color and whimsy to the mundane task of viewing and handling text in the terminal. Whether you’re showing off your terminal prowess to friends, making your scripts more playful, or simply enjoying a more vivid output, lolcat offers creative possibilities for bringing life and color to your console activities. With options for animation, piping from other commands, and utilizing the truecolor depth of your terminal, lolcat can enhance your terminal experience.