How to Install the Curses Module in Python

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on how to install the Curses module in Python. As a Python developer, it’s quite essential to master the art of handling various Python modules.

The Curses library in Python is a very handy module used for creating text-based User Interfaces. Therefore, knowing how to install and utilize this module can take your Python programming skills to another level.

Step 1: Check Your Python Version

Before the installation process, it’s important to check the version of Python in use. This can be done by opening the Terminal and typing the command:

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python --version

Step 2: Install the ‘ncurses’ Library

For the Curses module to work properly, it’s crucial to check if you have ncurses installed in your system. Ncurses is a library that facilitates the creation of text-based user interfaces. To install it, in your terminal, use the command:

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sudo apt-get install libncurses5-dev libncursesw5-dev

Step 3: Install the ‘Curses’ Module

After you’ve installed the ncurses library, you can now easily install the Curses module. This can be done by using the following command on the Terminal or command prompt:

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pip install windows-curses

For Python3 specifically, use the following:

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pip3 install windows-curses

Step 4: Verify the Installation

To ensure that the installation process is successful, you can write a simple Python program that uses the Curses module.

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import curses
 
stdscr = curses.initscr()
curses.noecho()
curses.cbreak()
stdscr.keypad(True)
 
try:
    stdscr.addstr("Hello, world!")
    stdscr.refresh()
    stdscr.getch()
finally:
    curses.endwin()

Save this code in a file and run it. If you see the string “Hello, world!” displayed without any errors, it indicates the Curses module has been installed successfully.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we have learned how to install the Curses module in Python. It’s quite crucial to ensure that the installation process happens correctly to enjoy the wide range of functionalities offered by the Curses module.