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Diffstat (limited to 'README.rst')
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@@ -48,5 +48,32 @@ This will print the list of color definitions as dictated by the scheme; if the specified name does not resolve to a pre-defined scheme it will be interpreted as a file name instead. -:: _setcolors: https://github.com/.../linux-vt-setcolors +Background +########## + +The default palette that comes with a Linux terminal was inherited from a long +history of virtual console implementations. The colors assigned are chosen for +totally valid pragmatic reasons. However, the palette may not harmonize with +everybody’s taste. Unfortunately, the console can’t be themed easily: One needs +to invoke a special ``ioctl(2)`` with the colors prepared in binary form in +order for the kernel to switch the palette. + +**vtcol** attempts at facilitating the themability of the console by means of a +simple plain text input format. The very popular themes from the Solarized_ +family are included as predefined palettes; the same is true of the Linux +default palette, so they can be conveniently restored when experimenting. + +An implementation in C which **vtcols** draws much inspiration from is +available in the setcolors_ utility. **vtcols** itself is implemented in Rust +instead; a public repository is available on Github_. The author uses the +original setcolors_ a lot, primarily inside his custom initramfs. The primary +motivations of writing **vtcols** stems from curiosity as to how the same goal +might be achieved using more modern tools. + +**vtcols** was written mostly during day-long train rides between Tübingen and +Dresden, so expect the commit history to exhibit a certain lack continuity. + +:: _setcolors: https://github.com/FIXME/linux-vt-setcolors +:: _Solarized: https://FIXME +:: _Github: https://github.com/phi-gamma/vtcols |