jstest
joystick testing tool that displays real-time axis and button states
TLDR
SYNOPSIS
jstest [options] device
DESCRIPTION
jstest can be used to test all the features of the Linux joystick API, including non-blocking and select(2) access, as well as version 0.x compatibility mode. It reads input from Linux joystick devices (/dev/input/js*) and shows axis and button values as they change.The tool is useful for verifying joystick functionality, calibration, and troubleshooting input issues. It works with gamepads, flight sticks, and other game controllers.
PARAMETERS
device
Joystick device path (e.g., /dev/input/js0).--normal
One-line mode showing immediate axis and button status.--old
Same as --normal but using the 0.x compatibility interface.--event
Print events as they come in.--nonblock
Same as --event but in non-blocking mode.--select
Same as --event but using select(2) system call.
OUTPUT
Joystick (Microsoft X-Box One pad) has 8 axes (X, Y, Z, Rx, Ry, Rz, Hat0X, Hat0Y)
and 11 buttons (BtnA, BtnB, BtnX, BtnY, BtnTL, BtnTR, BtnSelect, BtnStart, BtnMode, BtnThumbL, BtnThumbR).
Testing ... (interrupt to exit)
Axes: 0: 0 1: 0 2:-32767 3: 0 4: 0 5:-32767 6: 0 7: 0
Buttons: 0:off 1:off 2:off 3:off 4:off 5:off 6:off 7:off 8:off 9:off 10:off
INSTALL
CAVEATS
Requires joystick driver support. Device paths may change on hotplug. Calibration may be needed. Some controllers need xpad or other drivers.
HISTORY
jstest is part of the joystick package for Linux, providing basic input device testing. It works with the kernel's joystick API (/dev/input/js*).
SEE ALSO
evtest(1), inputattach(1)
