Linux Candy

Linux Candy: gti – typo-based curio inspired by Steam Locomotive

Last Updated on May 25, 2022

Who loves eye candy? Don’t be shy — you can raise both hands!!

Linux Candy is a series of articles covering interesting eye candy software. We only feature open-source software in this series.

gti is intended to catch accidental typos of ‘gti’ instead of ‘git’. It displays an animation of a car driving by, and then launches git. Any parameters or arguments given to gti are passed through to git.

gti is a tiny C program, written in a mere 329 lines of code. It’s just an inoffensive bit of fun that might raise a smile now and then, particularly important in these trying times.

Installation

You really don’t need my help in installing gti. If the program is not available as a package for your distribution, you can compile the source. There won’t be any problems even if you’ve never compiled a program ever. Just read the project’s README.md file. I’m not going to insult your intelligence with a step-by-step walkthrough.

In Operation

In the very short video below, I show the results you’ll see if you mistype git. Ironically, the video shows my attempt to clone gti’s project repository. Of course, I already have gti installed on the system.

The program is user friendly 🙂 After all, even though I mistype the git command, the software kindly ran the correct command.

Summary

gti seeks inspiration from Steam Locomotive, which is also featured in our Linux Candy series. Both offer very basic animation in your terminal. Both raise a smile on each evocation.

Unlike Steam Locomotive, gti doesn’t offer any command-line options. So you won’t see any flying cars, or passengers crying for help.

At least there’s no pretense that the software is going to cure your mistyping.

There’s even a man page. I’ve seen substantial projects with less documentation!

Website: r-wos.org/hacks/gti
Support: GitHub Code Repository
Developer: Richard Wossal
License: MIT-like License

gti is written in C. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials.

Complete list of articles in this series:

Linux Candy
ASCIIQuariumEmbrace marine life from the terminal with beautiful 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
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
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
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
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