cmatrix

Enable [a]synchronous scrolling

$ cmatrix -a

$ cmatrix -C [red]

$ cmatrix -r

$ cmatrix -u 100

cmatrix [-abBcflosuxV]

-a
    Asynchronous scroll; make each column scroll independently.

-b
    Bold mode.

-B
    Completely bold mode.

-c
    Use color , which can be green, red, blue, white, yellow, magenta, cyan, or black.

-f
    Force the program to display the full screen, even if xterm is not recognized.

-l
    Use latin characters only.

-o
    Use old-style scrolling.

-s
    Screen saver mode. Any key press will exit.

-u
    Update delay, in microseconds.

-x
    X window mode. Requires X11 and Xlib.

-V
    Print version information and exit.

cmatrix is a command-line program that simulates the falling green character code seen in "The Matrix" movie. It's purely for visual entertainment and has no practical function beyond that. The program uses ncurses to render the falling characters in a terminal window. It can be customized with different colors, character sets, and speeds to create a personalized Matrix-like effect. cmatrix is often used as a screensaver or just to add some visual flair to a terminal display. It is a lightweight program that is widely available on most Linux distributions, making it a popular choice for adding a bit of fun to the command-line environment. The source code is relatively simple, and has inspired other implementations, modifications, and ports to other operating systems.

Running in X window mode (-x) requires the X Window System and Xlib development libraries to be installed. Performance can vary depending on the terminal emulator and the system's graphics capabilities.

The -s option is useful for turning cmatrix into a simple screensaver. Any key press will terminate the program, returning the user to the command line.

The -c option allows for a range of color options, enhancing the visual appeal of the simulation. Experiment with different colors like red, blue, yellow, or white to change the display style.

cmatrix appears to have originated as a fun side project, inspired by the visual effects of 'The Matrix' film. While the exact origins are difficult to pinpoint, it became popular in the early 2000s as a way to customize and add visual interest to terminal environments. It's simple design and entertaining output have ensured its continued use and availability across many Linux distributions.