How is possible to create a python shell script like top unix command?

Question

I'm need to create a Python shell script that refresh output every n seconds like top unix command. what 's the best way to do this?

For a pure-python solution you'll probably want to use the curses module. I haven't used it myself but have heard that it's a bit complicated and tricky to use. — intuited
– intuited, Commented Sep 26, 2010 at 23:23

Greg Hewgill · Accepted Answer · 2010-09-27 10:15:39Z

4

One way to do this is to write a script that prints your output (once), and then run your script using the watch command. The watch command will automatically clear the screen and run your script every few seconds (usually 2 by default).

If you really want to do this in pure Python, you can use the curses module, or if you know your terminal is VT100-compatible you can go considerably simpler:

print "\x1b[H\x1b[2J",
print "hello clear world"

edited Sep 27, 2010 at 10:15

answered Sep 26, 2010 at 19:31

Greg Hewgill

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2 Comments

byterussian Over a year ago

this command seems use a "fullscreen" shell, is not possible to implement this with python? (and relative clear method)...in this manner have the possibility to implement a cache system (my script is based to various REST API) without recall all every "refresh"

Greg Hewgill Over a year ago

@Angelbit: I added a pure Python example.

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