Scripty Script

Matrix Rain Effect Python Script

Written by

Geoff

in

This Python script simulates the iconic digital rain from The Matrix in your terminal using the curses library. Green characters cascade down your screen, and press any key to exit the mesmerizing effect.

Click to view script… 
import curses
import random
import time

def matrix_rain(stdscr):
    # Hide the cursor and set non-blocking input
    curses.curs_set(0)
    stdscr.nodelay(True)
    stdscr.timeout(50)
    
    # Initialize colors if supported
    if curses.has_colors():
        curses.start_color()
        curses.init_pair(1, curses.COLOR_GREEN, curses.COLOR_BLACK)

    sh, sw = stdscr.getmaxyx()  # Get screen height and width
    # Initialize each column with a random starting row
    columns = [random.randint(0, sh - 1) for _ in range(sw)]

    while True:
        stdscr.erase()  # Clear the screen for fresh drawing
        for x in range(sw):
            y = columns[x]
            # Generate a random printable ASCII character
            char = chr(random.randint(33, 126))
            try:
                if curses.has_colors():
                    stdscr.addch(y, x, char, curses.color_pair(1))
                else:
                    stdscr.addch(y, x, char)
            except curses.error:
                # Ignore errors when drawing outside of the screen bounds
                pass

            # Move the column down; reset to the top if at the bottom
            columns[x] = y + 1 if y < sh - 1 else 0

        stdscr.refresh()
        time.sleep(0.05)  # Adjust the speed of the rain

        # Exit the loop if any key is pressed
        if stdscr.getch() != -1:
            break

def main():
    curses.wrapper(matrix_rain)

if __name__ == '__main__':
    main()

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