Linux Candy

Linux Candy: Boxes – command line ASCII boxes

Last Updated on May 25, 2022

Summary

The Linux Candy series highlights an eclectic mix of software, with some of the programs purely cosmetic, frivolous, and just a bit of harmless fun.

While Boxes is cosmetic, it certainly isn’t just a frivolous bit of fun. It’s a genuinely useful program with a variety of uses. For example, it’s perfectly suited for developers looking to make their source code easier to follow.

Boxes comes to life when you use it in conjunction with a text editor that supports filters. With a single key press you can feed it selected lines, and replace it with output surrounded by a box.

Boxes is mature software. It’s been in development since 1999. While the program is not actively development, this is primarily because the software meets all the requirements of its developer. Bug fixes are still applied.

Website: boxes.thomasjensen.com/examples.html
Support: Documentation, GitHub Code Repository
Developer: Thomas Jensen
License: GNU General Public License v2.0

Boxes is written in C. If you’re looking to improve your knowledge of this language, check out our recommended free C books and free C tutorials.

Pages in this article:
Page 1 – Introduction / Installation
Page 2 – In Operation
Page 3 – Summary


Complete list of articles in this series:

Linux Candy
ASCIIQuariumEmbrace marine life from the terminal with beautiful ASCII art
ASCII Art ConverterA small utility that converts images into ASCII art
BobRossQuotesCollection of quotes from Bob Ross
BoxesCommand line ASCII boxes
BuohOnline strips comics reader
cacafireColor ASCII fire
catclockxclock with an enhanced cat mode
cbonsaiGenerate bonsai trees in the terminal
christmasfetchFestive cheer on the desktop
chucknorrisChuck Norris jokes in your terminal
cornyjokesCorny jokes for the terminal
CMatrixncurses program that simulates the display from “The Matrix”
ctreeA Christmas tree right on your terminal
eDEX-UISci-fi computer terminal emulator and system monitor
emojSimple tool that to find suitable emojis for pasting to your clipboard
EmoteModern popup emoji picker
EvolvotronInteractive generative art
FantasceneDynamic wallpaper changer
FondoFind beautiful wallpapers from Unsplash
gtiTypo-based curio inspired by Steam Locomotive
HollywoodFill your console with Hollywood melodrama technobabble
linuxwaveGenerate music from the entropy of Linux
lolcatRainbows and unicorns
No More SecretsRecreates the data decryption effect from the Sneakers movie
nookPlays Animal Crossing hourly themes on the hour
nyancatTerminal-based Pop Tart Cat Animation
onekoAnimal chasing fun
pipes.shAnimated pipes terminal screensaver
ponysaycowsay reimplemention for ponies
projectMMusic visualizer originally based on Milkdrop
pscircleA different take on the venerable ps command
PyBonsaiGenerates procedural ASCII art trees
pyjokesOne line jokes for programmers
PywalGenerate color schemes on the fly
RelaxatorRelax to soothing sounds
Rusty AquariumMonitoring by visualization
Steam LocomotiveC program written in 295 lines. It's harmless fun
TernimalAnimated lifeform in the terminal
terminal-parrotParty parrot time
tetrisTile-matching puzzle video game in your terminal
VarietyWallpaper manager with many desktops and wallpaper sources
WallGenGenerate HQ poly wallpapers with a few arguments.
WallpaperDownloaderDownload, change, and manage wallpapers
xcowsayDisplays a cow on your desktop with message
XDecorationsAdd some festive cheer to your desktop
XScreenSaverFramework and collection of screensavers
yosayLike cowsay but with less cow
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