How to read arrow keys on really old bash?

simonb · #1 (**permalink**) 05-01-2006

I would like to get a script to respond to arrow key presses to scroll up and down a menu.

The platform is CDLinux which uses a prehistoric version of bash, version 1.14.7.

I would like to do something like "read -sn 1 keyin" but the "read" command is so primative that it only has the -r switch available so it is not possible, as far as I can see, to read single keystrokes, only whole lines.

Is there any way to detect arrow keys in this backwater of a bash shell?

simonb · #2 (**permalink**) 05-01-2006

OK. Found out how to do it.

PHP Code:


			
stty_state=`stty -g`

stty raw; stty -echo

keycode=`dd bs=1 count=1 2>/dev/null`

stty "$stty_state"

Where keycode contains the key code.

More UNIX and Linux Forum Topics You Might Find Helpful
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
SunOS 5.10 - VI Arrow keys not working	ravashingravi	UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers	7	12-01-2008 11:22 AM
Using arrow keys	cooldude	SUN Solaris	4	06-13-2008 11:51 AM
how do I get my arrow keys to work for looking thru my PREVIOUS UNIX COMMANDS	spotnis	UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers	11	09-14-2005 01:22 AM
arrow keys / special keys	raguramtgr	UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers	3	02-20-2004 02:45 AM
Trapping Arrow keys	nageshrc	Shell Programming and Scripting	1	11-30-2001 03:36 PM

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:


	Powered by