implement similar thing like "help" command in python interactive shell

Question

I am implementing a shell which does similarly like python interactive shell.

I am using raw_input and cmd2 library for it, now I need to implement a function which does exactly like "help" command. That is, it can show a large chunk of text which may exceed screen height and allow user to scroll down/up, and support Linux shell short-cut as well.

I don't know if I can do it without involving curse library. If I have to, any suggestions to integrate it with raw_input, cmd2 library?

thanks

Can you please elaborate on what you mean with a plain text library, and what you want to avoid with a curses library? — Krumelur
– Krumelur, Commented Feb 24, 2014 at 22:53
Bindings to curses is part of Pythons stand lib and it's really not that bad docs.python.org/2/library/curses.html — Chris Seymour
– Chris Seymour, Commented Feb 24, 2014 at 22:53
more does not let you scroll up--only down. Perhaps you're referring to less? — riwalk
– riwalk, Commented Feb 24, 2014 at 22:53

Krumelur · Accepted Answer · 2014-02-24 23:16:03Z

2

Python's help command actually uses less (or more on some platforms) behind the scenes. You can access the same functionality:

import pydoc
pydoc.pager("A very long string")

answered Feb 24, 2014 at 23:16

Krumelur

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1 Comment

zx_wing Over a year ago

Can't believe it's simple like this! next time I should ask my question in a direct way. thank you

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