How to use the command `pixterm` (with examples)
The pixterm command allows users to render images directly in the terminal. It provides various options for controlling the display, such as aspect ratio, background color, and character dithering. In this article, we will explore different use cases of the pixterm command with corresponding examples.
Use case 1: Render a static image directly in the terminal
Code:
pixterm path/to/file
Motivation: This use case demonstrates how to render a static image directly in the terminal without any modifications.
Explanation: The command pixterm path/to/file instructs the pixterm program to render the image located at path/to/file in the terminal.
Example output:
Static image rendering in the terminal
Use case 2: Use the image’s original aspect ratio
Code:
pixterm -s 2 path/to/file
Motivation: This use case illustrates how to maintain the original aspect ratio of the image while rendering it in the terminal.
Explanation: The -s 2 option tells pixterm to use the original image’s aspect ratio. This ensures that the image is not distorted when displayed in the terminal. The number 2 represents the aspect ratio scaling factor.
Example output:
Image with preserved aspect ratio in the terminal
Use case 3: Specify a custom aspect ratio using terminal rows and columns
Code:
pixterm -tr 24 -tc 80 path/to/file
Motivation: This use case demonstrates how to specify a custom aspect ratio for the rendered image using the number of terminal rows and columns.
Explanation: The -tr 24 -tc 80 options specify a custom aspect ratio for the image. -tr represents the number of terminal rows, and -tc represents the number of terminal columns. In this example, the image will be resized to fit within 24 rows and 80 columns.
Example output:
Image with custom aspect ratio in the terminal
Use case 4: Filter the output with a matte background color and character dithering
Code:
pixterm -m 000000 -d 2 path/to/file
Motivation: This use case showcases how to apply a matte background color and character dithering to the image’s output in the terminal.
Explanation: The -m 000000 -d 2 options filter the output of the image. -m specifies the matte background color in hex format, with 000000 representing black. -d enables character dithering, and 2 determines the dithering algorithm.
Example output:
Image with matte background color and character dithering in the terminal
Conclusion:
In this article, we explored different use cases of the pixterm command, which allows us to render images directly in the terminal. By using various options, such as preserving aspect ratio, specifying custom aspect ratios, and filtering the output with background colors and dithering, users can fine-tune the display of images in the terminal to suit their preferences.
