Introduction to Moulti
Moulti is a unique tool designed to revolutionize how shell script and Ansible playbook outputs are displayed in terminal windows. Essentially, it organizes the output of these scripts into "steps," creating visually appealing and collapsible blocks complete with titles and colors. This feature becomes particularly useful for those who frequently scroll through lengthy terminal outputs to verify script progress or results.
Transforming Terminal Output
For instance, when upgrading a Debian system, Moulti can transform the script output into organized segments that enhance readability and ease of understanding. It’s not limited to Debian upgrades; it can also improve the readability of Ansible playbook outputs, making them cleaner and more comprehensible.
Moulti's capabilities extend beyond these tasks. It can handle other types of outputs, such as displaying man pages and unified diff files with colored formatting. This versatility makes Moulti a useful tool for developers and IT professionals who deal with script outputs regularly.
Installation and Setup
Installing Moulti is straightforward; it requires a simple command using pipx: pipx install moulti; pipx ensurepath. Once installed, users can initiate Moulti with the command moulti init, followed by adding steps, filling them with script actions, and repeating this process as needed to organize their script's outputs effectively.
Key Features
Moulti offers interactive features like user questions, which keep the script running smoothly while allowing user inputs where necessary. Additional features include:
- Text Search: Functions like the
lesscommand, facilitating easy text navigation. - Maximizing Step Logs: Similar to the zoom feature in
tmux, allowing a detailed view of a single step. - Progress Bars: Visual indications of script progress.
- Programmatic Scrolling: Lets users automate scrolling through steps for a smoother viewing experience.
- Askpass Helper: Named
moulti-askpass, simplifies SSH interactions.
Customization options also abound in Moulti, allowing users to define step flows and appearances through Textual CSS and ANSI themes, ensuring a tailored fit to user preferences and needs.
Technical Composition
Written in Python, Moulti utilizes the Textual library along with other Python packages like Pyperclip, Argcomplete, and Unidiff. These technologies power Moulti's robust and flexible terminal output management, making it both powerful and user-friendly.
Inspirations and Acknowledgments
Moulti took inspiration from existing tools like Dialog and Whiptail, known for their TUI elements in scripting contexts. However, Moulti stands apart with its unique architecture and comprehensive functionality. Key influencers in its development included experiences with tools like Multiplex, which ultimately led to the creation of Moulti.
A note of gratitude is extended to the Textual team, particularly to Will McGugan for his creation of the framework and Dave Pearson for his consistent support. Their contributions were vital in bringing Moulti to life, enabling scripts to be executed with clarity and control.
In summary, Moulti provides a sophisticated yet intuitive way to manage and view the output of shell scripts and Ansible playbooks, elevating terminal output from plain text to a dynamic, engaging interface. Whether you're upgrading systems or running complex playbooks, Moulti enhances productivity and comprehension in any terminal scripting task.