How To Install Cmatrix on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
In this short tutorial we will learn how to install CMatrix, a terminal Matrix rain display on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS operating system.
Introduction
In the vast landscape of Linux terminal utilities, there exists a gem that combines nostalgia with futuristic aesthetics – Cmatrix. If you’ve ever watched iconic scenes in movies like “The Matrix,” where characters navigate through a cascade of green characters falling like rain, then Cmatrix will instantly strike a chord with you. In this article, we delve into the enchanting world of Cmatrix, exploring its origins, functionalities, and how to incorporate it into your terminal experience.
Origins and Development
Cmatrix, short for Console Matrix, was created by Chris Allegretta in 1999. Inspired by the iconic “Matrix” series, Allegretta developed Cmatrix as a fun and visually striking addition to the Linux terminal. The project gained popularity quickly within the Linux and open-source communities, becoming a go-to tool for those who appreciate the blend of technology and visual artistry.
Functionality
Cmatrix is essentially a command-line program that emulates the falling green characters, reminiscent of the Matrix code. While its primary purpose is to serve as eye candy for terminal enthusiasts, it also has some practical uses, such as testing terminal performance and showcasing the capabilities of terminal emulators.
Here are some key features and functionalities of Cmatrix:
- Matrix Rain Simulation. The hallmark of Cmatrix is its ability to simulate the iconic Matrix rain, where characters fall from the top to the bottom of the terminal screen.
- Customization. Users can customize various aspects of the matrix display, such as the color of the characters, speed of the falling code, and the overall aesthetic.
- Text Scrolling. Cmatrix supports horizontal text scrolling, allowing users to display custom messages in the midst of the falling code.
- Terminal Performance Testing. Cmatrix can be used as a benchmark tool to assess the performance of terminal emulators and the overall responsiveness of your system.
Intalling CMatrix On Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
To install CMatrix is a straightforward process on most Linux distributions. In Ubuntu system we will have several steps as shown below :
- Update Ubuntu System
- Installing Cmatrix on Ubuntu
- Cmatrix Options
Step 1: Update Ubuntu System
To install new software/package on the system, it’s recommended to update our package list to ensure the latest versions of software and dependencies. For this purpse we will submit the following command lines :
$ sudo apt update $ sudo apt upgrade
Step 2: Installing Cmatrix on Ubuntu 20.04
After our system is completed updated, then we will install Cmatrix on the system by submitting command line :
$ sudo apt install cmatrix
Output :
ramansah@bckinfo:~$ sudo apt install cmatrix Reading package lists... Done Building dependency tree... Done Reading state information... Done Suggested packages: cmatrix-xfont The following NEW packages will be installed: cmatrix 0 upgraded, 1 newly installed, 0 to remove and 7 not upgraded. Need to get 17,1 kB of archives. After this operation, 57,3 kB of additional disk space will be used. Get:1 http://id.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu jammy/universe amd64 cmatrix amd64 2.0-3 [17,1 kB] Fetched 17,1 kB in 1s (19,0 kB/s) Selecting previously unselected package cmatrix. (Reading database ... 200331 files and directories currently installed.) Preparing to unpack .../cmatrix_2.0-3_amd64.deb ... Unpacking cmatrix (2.0-3) ... Setting up cmatrix (2.0-3) ... Processing triggers for mailcap (3.70+nmu1ubuntu1) ... Processing triggers for desktop-file-utils (0.26-1ubuntu3) ... Processing triggers for gnome-menus (3.36.0-1ubuntu3) ... Processing triggers for man-db (2.10.2-1) ...
After installation was completed done, then we will verify it by submitting command line :
$ cmatrix -V
Output :
ramansah@bckinfo:~$ cmatrix -V CMatrix version 2.0 (compiled 05:17:53, Jan 13 2021) Email: abishekvashok@gmail.com Web: https://github.com/abishekvashok/cmatrix
Executing CMatrix on Ubuntu 22.04.
To run Cmatrix on Ubuntu operating system, we just submit following command line :
$ cmatrix
Output :
Step 3: Cmatrix Option
Cmatrix comes with customization options display. Here’s the complete reference for CMatrix.
ramansah@bckinfo:~$ cmatrix -h
Usage: cmatrix -[abBcfhlsmVx] [-u delay] [-C color]
-a: Asynchronous scroll
-b: Bold characters on
-B: All bold characters (overrides -b)
-c: Use Japanese characters as seen in the original matrix. Requires appropriate fonts
-f: Force the linux $TERM type to be on
-l: Linux mode (uses matrix console font)
-L: Lock mode (can be closed from another terminal)
-o: Use old-style scrolling
-h: Print usage and exit
-n: No bold characters (overrides -b and -B, default)
-s: "Screensaver" mode, exits on first keystroke
-x: X window mode, use if your xterm is using mtx.pcf
-V: Print version information and exit
-u delay (0 - 10, default 4): Screen update delay
-C [color]: Use this color for matrix (default green)
-r: rainbow mode
-m: lambda mode
This is it. We have installed CMatrix on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS operating system.
Conclusion
Cmatrix stands as a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the open-source community. Beyond its entertainment value, it serves as a reminder of the powerful and versatile nature of the Linux terminal. So, the next time you find yourself immersed in the mesmerizing world of the Matrix, consider adding a touch of nostalgia and futuristic flair to your terminal with Cmatrix.