sc-im

Start SC-IM

$ scim [path/to/file.csv]

$ [<<>|<>>]

$ <=>

$ <E>

$ <e>

$ <|>

sc-im [OPTIONS] [FILE]

-n
    Do not load the user's default configuration file, typically ~/.scimrc, upon startup.

-s ""
    Execute a series of sc-im script commands passed as a string. Commands should be separated by semicolons.

-V
    Display the version number of sc-im and then exit.

-h
    Show a brief help message with available command-line options and then exit.

-u
    Load a specified configuration file instead of the default ~/.scimrc. This allows for custom session settings.


    The path to a spreadsheet file (e.g., CSV, TSV, or sc format) to open upon starting sc-im.

sc-im, short for spreadsheet calculator - improved, is a free, curses-based spreadsheet program designed for the terminal. It is a modern re-implementation of the classic sc spreadsheet, significantly enhanced with powerful features and vim-like keybindings, making it ideal for command-line enthusiasts, developers, and system administrators. It supports complex formulas, CSV/TSV import and export, macro recording, scripting capabilities, and undo/redo functionality. Its minimalist, text-based interface allows for efficient data manipulation directly within a shell environment, leveraging familiar navigation and editing paradigms from Vim.

sc-im has a relatively steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with vi or vim keybindings, as its navigation and editing paradigms are heavily inspired by these text editors. Being a terminal-based application, it lacks the graphical presentation and visual tools common in GUI spreadsheets, which might make complex data visualization or mouse-driven interaction less intuitive.

sc-im supports a powerful scripting language, allowing users to automate complex tasks, perform batch operations, and integrate spreadsheet functionalities into larger shell scripts. This capability significantly enhances its utility for repetitive data processing or report generation.

Users can record sequences of commands and actions as macros, which can then be replayed to quickly apply the same operations to different data sets or areas of the spreadsheet, boosting productivity for common workflows.

sc-im emerged as an improved and modernized fork of the original sc (spreadsheet calculator) program, which was a classic terminal-based spreadsheet. The development of sc-im aimed to integrate modern features, such as enhanced scripting, undo/redo, and more robust file handling, while adopting the efficient and powerful vim-like keybindings that are popular among command-line users. This evolution has made sc-im a more versatile and user-friendly tool for spreadsheet management in a console environment.

sc(1), vim(1), ssconvert(1), calc(1)