How to Create an Animated Progress Bar in Ruby Using (n)curses

When developing command-line applications in Ruby, you may want to provide users with visual feedback about ongoing processes. One popular approach is to use a progress bar. This not only enhances user experience but also keeps users informed about how long they might have to wait. In this post, we’ll delve into how to create an animated progress bar using the (n)curses library in Ruby.

Understanding (n)curses

(n)curses is a programming library that provides a terminal handling abstraction layer, which allows for the creation of text-based user interfaces. This library is widely used for applications that need to display output in a more organized and visually appealing manner than standard console output.

Why Use an Animated Progress Bar?

An animated progress bar gives users instant feedback, making it easier to gauge how much longer a task will take. Without it, users may feel uncertain or frustrated when waiting for a process to complete. A progress bar can:

  • Indicate ongoing processes.
  • Keep users engaged.
  • Visualize completion percentages effectively.

Using the Ruby/ProgressBar Library

If you’re just getting started with (n)curses or are looking for a straightforward solution, I highly recommend the Ruby/ProgressBar library. This library simplifies the process of creating text-based progress bars without needing to dive deep into the complexities of (n)curses.

Getting Started

  1. Installation: To use the Ruby/ProgressBar library, you can install it via RubyGems. Run the following command in your terminal:

    gem install ruby-progressbar
    
  2. Basic Usage: Once installed, you can use the library in your Ruby code. Here’s a simple example of how to create a progress bar:

    require 'ruby-progressbar'
    
    # Create a new progress bar
    progressbar = ProgressBar.create(total: 100, format: '%a [%b] %p%% %t')
    
    # Simulate a batch job
    100.times do
      sleep(0.1) # Simulate work being done
      progressbar.increment
    end
    
    • Explanation: In this code, we create a new progress bar that tracks progress from 0% to 100%. The format parameter allows customization of how the progress bar appears. The loop simulates a task where the bar updates its progress every time an iteration is completed.

Key Features of Ruby/ProgressBar

  • Easy to integrate with your existing Ruby applications.
  • Customizable formats to style the progress output.
  • Options for starting, finishing, and customizing messages.

Conclusion

Creating an animated progress bar in Ruby using (n)curses may seem daunting initially, but with the help of libraries like Ruby/ProgressBar, it becomes straightforward and efficient. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can enhance your command-line applications with engaging visual elements that keep your users informed and satisfied.

If you want to dig deeper into (n)curses itself or if you’re looking for more advanced implementations, consider exploring the nCurses Programming HOWTO and other dedicated resources.

Now, go ahead and add that progress bar to your application and enhance the user experience!