The Linux terminal is a wonderful tool that helps you get the best out of your machine.
Most people learn to use it by following tutorials with line-by-line instructions.
But a better way may be to see it in action.
There are lines of text, inputs and outputs, statuses, and the occasional piece of ASCII art.
For a Linux newcomer, it can be difficult to link cause to effect.
The commands are executed in sequence one after another, and the output is recorded in a file.
you might also specify the font size for readability, as well as the dimensions of your terminal window.
How to Install VHS on Linux
VHS requires ttyd and ffmpeg to run.
If your system supports snap, install ttyd with:
Packages for ffmpeg are available in the default repositories.
Now you’re ready to install VHS.
As their names suggest, these will either hide subsequent commands from appearing in the terminal or show them.
After setting the output file name and the terminal dimensions, commands will be executed in order.
For instance, if you want the string “MUO is Ace!”
TheTypecommand causes actual commands to be executed, with their output captured in the GIF.
VHS will render the tape as a GIF.
The GIF shown above is low quality because we used a third party for GIF hosting.
Here are some of our favorites:
1.
Backspace
Simulates pressing theBackspacekey by deleting characters.
Append an integer for how many characters you want to delete.
Ctrl
Often, Linux commands have shortcut equivalents that use theCtrlkey.
Entering “Ctrl+l” into your VHS tape file will wipe the screen on most Linux distros.
Set the Playback Speed
Results flashing by too quickly?
Use “PlaybackSpeed” to alter the playback speed of the final render.
…will halve the playback speed of the output.
A full list of commands is available onthe VHS GitHub page.
Creating Terminal GIFs for Fun and Profit!
It has excellent potential as a visual resource when writing tutorials or as an alternative to YouTube.
