bool is_term_resized(int lines, int columns);
int resize_term(int lines, int columns);
int resizeterm(int lines, int columns);
This is an extension to the curses library. It provides callers with a hook into the ncurses data to resize windows, primarily for use by programs running in an X Window terminal (e.g., xterm).
The function resizeterm resizes the standard and current windows to the specified dimensions, and adjusts other bookkeeping data used by the ncurses library that record the window dimensions such as the LINES and COLS variables.
Most of the work is done by the inner function resize_term. The outer function resizeterm adds bookkeeping for the SIGWINCH handler, as well as repainting the soft-key area (see slk_touch(3X)).
When resizing the windows, resize_term blank-fills the areas that are extended. The calling application should fill in these areas with appropriate data.
The resize_term function attempts to resize all windows. However, due to the calling convention of pads, it is not possible to resize these without additional interaction with the application.
When resizing windows, resize_term recursively adjusts subwindows, keeping them within the updated parent window's limits. If a top-level window happens to extend to the screen's limits, then on resizing the window, resize_term will keep the window extending to the corresponding limit, regardless of whether the screen has shrunk or grown.
A support function is_term_resized is provided so that applications can check if the resize_term function would modify the window structures. It returns TRUE if the windows would be modified, and FALSE otherwise.
If ncurses is configured to supply its own SIGWINCH handler,
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on receipt of a SIGWINCH, the handler sets a flag
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which is tested in wgetch(3X) and doupdate,
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in turn, calling the resizeterm function,
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which ungetch's a KEY_RESIZE which
will be read on the next call to wgetch.
If the environment variables LINES or COLUMNS are set, this overrides the library's use of the window size obtained from the operating system. Thus, even if a SIGWINCH is received, no screen size change may be recorded.
It is possible to resize the screen with SVr4 curses,
by
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exiting curses with endwin(3X) and
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resuming using refresh(3X).
Doing that clears the screen and is visually distracting.
This extension of ncurses was introduced in mid-1995. It was adopted in NetBSD curses (2001) and PDCurses (2003).