GNU Readline Alternatives

GNU Readline is described as 'Offers line-editing, tab-completion, command history, keyboard shortcuts, search functionality, kill ring, and programmable editing for CLI applications' and is a terminal emulator in the os & utilities category. There are four alternatives to GNU Readline for Linux, BSD, Mac and Windows. The best GNU Readline alternative is Python Prompt Toolkit, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like GNU Readline are libedit, replxx and Linenoise.

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Alternatives list

  1. Python Prompt Toolkit icon

    Python Prompt Toolkit

     14 likes

    Cross-platform library for developing advanced CLI apps using syntax highlighting, multi-line editing, Emacs and Vi bindings, code completion, mouse support, Unicode compatibility, and auto suggestions, with minimal dependencies and extensive configuration options.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    Typical interface made with prompt toolkit.
     
  2. L

    libedit

     1 like

    This is an autotool- and libtoolized port of the NetBSD Editline library (libedit). This Berkeley-style licensed command line editor library provides generic line editing, history, and tokenization functions, similar to those found in GNU Readline.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • BSD
     
  4. R

    replxx

     Like

    A readline and libedit replacement that supports UTF-8, syntax highlighting, hints and Unixes and Windows, and is BSD licensed.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    replxx screenshot 1
     
  5. L

    Linenoise

     Like

    "A minimal, zero-config, BSD licensed, readline replacement used in Redis, MongoDB, and Android."

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
     
4 of 4 GNU Readline alternatives