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Revision 1.42 by root, Thu Jul 6 19:43:21 2006 UTC vs.
Revision 1.73 by root, Fri May 14 13:47:43 2021 UTC

2 Meta, Features & Commandline Issues 2 Meta, Features & Commandline Issues
3 My question isn't answered here, can I ask a human? 3 My question isn't answered here, can I ask a human?
4 Before sending me mail, you could go to IRC: "irc.freenode.net", channel 4 Before sending me mail, you could go to IRC: "irc.freenode.net", channel
5 "#rxvt-unicode" has some rxvt-unicode enthusiasts that might be 5 "#rxvt-unicode" has some rxvt-unicode enthusiasts that might be
6 interested in learning about new and exciting problems (but not FAQs :). 6 interested in learning about new and exciting problems (but not FAQs :).
7
8 I use Gentoo, and I have a problem...
9 There are two big problems with Gentoo Linux: first, most if not all
10 Gentoo systems are completely broken (missing or mismatched header
11 files, broken compiler etc. are just the tip of the iceberg); secondly,
12 it should be called Gentoo GNU/Linux.
13
14 For these reasons, it is impossible to support rxvt-unicode on Gentoo.
15 Problems appearing on Gentoo systems will usually simply be ignored
16 unless they can be reproduced on non-Gentoo systems.
7 17
8 Does it support tabs, can I have a tabbed rxvt-unicode? 18 Does it support tabs, can I have a tabbed rxvt-unicode?
9 Beginning with version 7.3, there is a perl extension that implements a 19 Beginning with version 7.3, there is a perl extension that implements a
10 simple tabbed terminal. It is installed by default, so any of these 20 simple tabbed terminal. It is installed by default, so any of these
11 should give you tabs: 21 should give you tabs:
42 52
43 How can I start urxvtd in a race-free way? 53 How can I start urxvtd in a race-free way?
44 Try "urxvtd -f -o", which tells urxvtd to open the display, create the 54 Try "urxvtd -f -o", which tells urxvtd to open the display, create the
45 listening socket and then fork. 55 listening socket and then fork.
46 56
47 How can I start urxvtd automatically when I run URXVT_NAME@@c? 57 How can I start urxvtd automatically when I run urxvtc?
48 If you want to start urxvtd automatically whenever you run urxvtc and 58 If you want to start urxvtd automatically whenever you run urxvtc and
49 the daemon isn't running yet, use this script: 59 the daemon isn't running yet, use this script:
50 60
51 #!/bin/sh 61 #!/bin/sh
52 urxvtc "$@" 62 urxvtc "$@"
58 This tries to create a new terminal, and if fails with exit status 2, 68 This tries to create a new terminal, and if fails with exit status 2,
59 meaning it couldn't connect to the daemon, it will start the daemon and 69 meaning it couldn't connect to the daemon, it will start the daemon and
60 re-run the command. Subsequent invocations of the script will re-use the 70 re-run the command. Subsequent invocations of the script will re-use the
61 existing daemon. 71 existing daemon.
62 72
63 How do I distinguish wether I'm running rxvt-unicode or a regular xterm? I need this to decide about setting colors etc. 73 Another option is to use systemd socket-based activation (see
74 systemd.socket(5)). Here is an example of a service unit file and of a
75 socket unit file for the default socket path:
76
77 urxvtd.service
78 [Unit]
79 Description=urxvt terminal daemon
80 Requires=urxvtd.socket
81
82 [Service]
83 ExecStart=/usr/bin/urxvtd -o
84
85 urxvtd.socket
86 [Unit]
87 Description=urxvt terminal daemon socket
88
89 [Socket]
90 ListenStream=%h/.urxvt/urxvtd-%H
91
92 [Install]
93 WantedBy=sockets.target
94
95 How do I distinguish whether I'm running rxvt-unicode or a regular
96xterm? I need this to decide about setting colours etc.
64 The original rxvt and rxvt-unicode always export the variable 97 The original rxvt and rxvt-unicode always export the variable
65 "COLORTERM", so you can check and see if that is set. Note that several 98 "COLORTERM", so you can check and see if that is set. Note that several
66 programs, JED, slrn, Midnight Commander automatically check this 99 programs, JED, slrn, Midnight Commander automatically check this
67 variable to decide whether or not to use color. 100 variable to decide whether or not to use colour.
68 101
69 How do I set the correct, full IP address for the DISPLAY variable? 102 How do I set the correct, full IP address for the DISPLAY variable?
70 If you've compiled rxvt-unicode with DISPLAY_IS_IP and have enabled 103 If you've compiled rxvt-unicode with DISPLAY_IS_IP and have enabled
71 insecure mode then it is possible to use the following shell script 104 insecure mode then it is possible to use the following shell script
72 snippets to correctly set the display. If your version of rxvt-unicode 105 snippets to correctly set the display. If your version of rxvt-unicode
79 112
80 # Bourne/Korn/POSIX family of shells: 113 # Bourne/Korn/POSIX family of shells:
81 [ ${TERM:-foo} = foo ] && TERM=xterm # assume an xterm if we don't know 114 [ ${TERM:-foo} = foo ] && TERM=xterm # assume an xterm if we don't know
82 if [ ${TERM:-foo} = xterm ]; then 115 if [ ${TERM:-foo} = xterm ]; then
83 stty -icanon -echo min 0 time 15 # see if enhanced rxvt or not 116 stty -icanon -echo min 0 time 15 # see if enhanced rxvt or not
84 echo -n '^[Z' 117 printf "\eZ"
85 read term_id 118 read term_id
86 stty icanon echo 119 stty icanon echo
87 if [ ""${term_id} = '^[[?1;2C' -a ${DISPLAY:-foo} = foo ]; then 120 if [ ""${term_id} = '^[[?1;2C' -a ${DISPLAY:-foo} = foo ]; then
88 echo -n '^[[7n' # query the rxvt we are in for the DISPLAY string 121 printf '\e[7n' # query the rxvt we are in for the DISPLAY string
89 read DISPLAY # set it in our local shell 122 read DISPLAY # set it in our local shell
90 fi 123 fi
91 fi 124 fi
92 125
93 How do I compile the manual pages on my own? 126 How do I compile the manual pages on my own?
94 You need to have a recent version of perl installed as /usr/bin/perl, 127 You need to have a recent version of perl installed as /usr/bin/perl,
95 one that comes with pod2man, pod2text and pod2html. Then go to the doc 128 one that comes with pod2man, pod2text and pod2xhtml (from Pod::Xhtml).
96 subdirectory and enter "make alldoc". 129 Then go to the doc subdirectory and enter "make alldoc".
97 130
98 Isn't rxvt-unicode supposed to be small? Don't all those features bloat? 131 Isn't rxvt-unicode supposed to be small? Don't all those features bloat?
99 I often get asked about this, and I think, no, they didn't cause extra 132 I often get asked about this, and I think, no, they didn't cause extra
100 bloat. If you compare a minimal rxvt and a minimal urxvt, you can see 133 bloat. If you compare a minimal rxvt and a minimal urxvt, you can see
101 that the urxvt binary is larger (due to some encoding tables always 134 that the urxvt binary is larger (due to some encoding tables always
108 98398 1664 24 15695 1824 rxvt --disable-everything 141 98398 1664 24 15695 1824 rxvt --disable-everything
109 188985 9048 66616 18222 1788 urxvt --disable-everything 142 188985 9048 66616 18222 1788 urxvt --disable-everything
110 143
111 When you "--enable-everything" (which *is* unfair, as this involves xft 144 When you "--enable-everything" (which *is* unfair, as this involves xft
112 and full locale/XIM support which are quite bloaty inside libX11 and my 145 and full locale/XIM support which are quite bloaty inside libX11 and my
113 libc), the two diverge, but not unreasnobaly so. 146 libc), the two diverge, but not unreasonably so.
114 147
115 text data bss drs rss filename 148 text data bss drs rss filename
116 163431 2152 24 20123 2060 rxvt --enable-everything 149 163431 2152 24 20123 2060 rxvt --enable-everything
117 1035683 49680 66648 29096 3680 urxvt --enable-everything 150 1035683 49680 66648 29096 3680 urxvt --enable-everything
118 151
146 the case of rxvt-unicode this hardly matters, as its portability limits 179 the case of rxvt-unicode this hardly matters, as its portability limits
147 are defined by things like X11, pseudo terminals, locale support and 180 are defined by things like X11, pseudo terminals, locale support and
148 unix domain sockets, which are all less portable than C++ itself. 181 unix domain sockets, which are all less portable than C++ itself.
149 182
150 Regarding the bloat, see the above question: It's easy to write programs 183 Regarding the bloat, see the above question: It's easy to write programs
151 in C that use gobs of memory, an certainly possible to write programs in 184 in C that use gobs of memory, and certainly possible to write programs
152 C++ that don't. C++ also often comes with large libraries, but this is 185 in C++ that don't. C++ also often comes with large libraries, but this
153 not necessarily the case with GCC. Here is what rxvt links against on my 186 is not necessarily the case with GCC. Here is what rxvt links against on
154 system with a minimal config: 187 my system with a minimal config:
155 188
156 libX11.so.6 => /usr/X11R6/lib/libX11.so.6 (0x00002aaaaabc3000) 189 libX11.so.6 => /usr/X11R6/lib/libX11.so.6 (0x00002aaaaabc3000)
157 libc.so.6 => /lib/libc.so.6 (0x00002aaaaadde000) 190 libc.so.6 => /lib/libc.so.6 (0x00002aaaaadde000)
158 libdl.so.2 => /lib/libdl.so.2 (0x00002aaaab01d000) 191 libdl.so.2 => /lib/libdl.so.2 (0x00002aaaab01d000)
159 /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2 (0x00002aaaaaaab000) 192 /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2 (0x00002aaaaaaab000)
160 193
161 And here is rxvt-unicode: 194 And here is rxvt-unicode:
162 195
163 libX11.so.6 => /usr/X11R6/lib/libX11.so.6 (0x00002aaaaabc3000) 196 libX11.so.6 => /usr/X11R6/lib/libX11.so.6 (0x00002aaaaabc3000)
164 libgcc_s.so.1 => /lib/libgcc_s.so.1 (0x00002aaaaada2000) 197 libgcc_s.so.1 => /lib/libgcc_s.so.1 (0x00002aaaaada2000)
165 libc.so.6 => /lib/libc.so.6 (0x00002aaaaaeb0000) 198 libc.so.6 => /lib/libc.so.6 (0x00002aaaaaeb0000)
166 libdl.so.2 => /lib/libdl.so.2 (0x00002aaaab0ee000) 199 libdl.so.2 => /lib/libdl.so.2 (0x00002aaaab0ee000)
167 /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2 (0x00002aaaaaaab000) 200 /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2 (0x00002aaaaaaab000)
168 201
169 No large bloated libraries (of course, none were linked in statically), 202 No large bloated libraries (of course, none were linked in statically),
170 except maybe libX11 :) 203 except maybe libX11 :)
171 204
177 rite of passage: ... and you failed. 210 rite of passage: ... and you failed.
178 211
179 Here are four ways to get transparency. Do read the manpage and option 212 Here are four ways to get transparency. Do read the manpage and option
180 descriptions for the programs mentioned and rxvt-unicode. Really, do it! 213 descriptions for the programs mentioned and rxvt-unicode. Really, do it!
181 214
182 1. Use inheritPixmap: 215 1. Use transparent mode:
183 216
184 Esetroot wallpaper.jpg 217 Esetroot wallpaper.jpg
185 urxvt -ip -tint red -sh 40 218 urxvt -tr -tint red -sh 40
186 219
187 That works. If you think it doesn't, you lack transparency and tinting 220 That works. If you think it doesn't, you lack transparency and tinting
188 support, or you are unable to read. 221 support, or you are unable to read. This method requires that the
222 background-setting program sets the _XROOTPMAP_ID or ESETROOT_PMAP_ID
223 property. Compatible programs are Esetroot, hsetroot and feh.
189 224
190 2. Use a simple pixmap and emulate pseudo-transparency. This enables you 225 2. Use a simple pixmap and emulate pseudo-transparency. This enables you
191 to use effects other than tinting and shading: Just shade/tint/whatever 226 to use effects other than tinting and shading: Just shade/tint/whatever
192 your picture with gimp or any other tool: 227 your picture with gimp or any other tool:
193 228
194 convert wallpaper.jpg -blur 20x20 -modulate 30 background.xpm 229 convert wallpaper.jpg -blur 20x20 -modulate 30 background.jpg
195 urxvt -pixmap background.xpm -pe automove-background 230 urxvt -pixmap "background.jpg;:root"
196 231
197 That works. If you think it doesn't, you lack XPM and Perl support, or 232 That works. If you think it doesn't, you lack GDK-PixBuf support, or you
198 you are unable to read. 233 are unable to read.
199 234
200 3. Use an ARGB visual: 235 3. Use an ARGB visual:
201 236
202 urxvt -depth 32 -fg grey90 -bg rgba:0000/0000/4444/cccc 237 urxvt -depth 32 -fg grey90 -bg rgba:0000/0000/4444/cccc
203 238
204 This requires XFT support, and the support of your X-server. If that 239 This requires XFT support, and the support of your X-server. If that
205 doesn't work for you, blame Xorg and Keith Packard. ARGB visuals aren't 240 doesn't work for you, blame Xorg and Keith Packard. ARGB visuals aren't
206 there yet, no matter what they claim. Rxvt-Unicode contains the 241 there yet, no matter what they claim. Rxvt-Unicode contains the
207 neccessary bugfixes and workarounds for Xft and Xlib to make it work, 242 necessary bugfixes and workarounds for Xft and Xlib to make it work, but
208 but that doesn't mean that your WM has the required kludges in place. 243 that doesn't mean that your WM has the required kludges in place.
209 244
210 4. Use xcompmgr and let it do the job: 245 4. Use xcompmgr and let it do the job:
211 246
212 xprop -frame -f _NET_WM_WINDOW_OPACITY 32c \ 247 xprop -frame -f _NET_WM_WINDOW_OPACITY 32c \
213 -set _NET_WM_WINDOW_OPACITY 0xc0000000 248 -set _NET_WM_WINDOW_OPACITY 0xc0000000
228 however: Xft fonts often draw glyphs larger than their acclaimed 263 however: Xft fonts often draw glyphs larger than their acclaimed
229 bounding box, and rxvt-unicode has no way of detecting this (the correct 264 bounding box, and rxvt-unicode has no way of detecting this (the correct
230 way is to ask for the character bounding box, which unfortunately is 265 way is to ask for the character bounding box, which unfortunately is
231 wrong in these cases). 266 wrong in these cases).
232 267
233 It's not clear (to me at least), wether this is a bug in Xft, freetype, 268 It's not clear (to me at least), whether this is a bug in Xft, freetype,
234 or the respective font. If you encounter this problem you might try 269 or the respective font. If you encounter this problem you might try
235 using the "-lsp" option to give the font more height. If that doesn't 270 using the "-lsp" option to give the font more height. If that doesn't
236 work, you might be forced to use a different font. 271 work, you might be forced to use a different font.
237 272
238 All of this is not a problem when using X11 core fonts, as their 273 All of this is not a problem when using X11 core fonts, as their
297 What's with this bold/blink stuff? 332 What's with this bold/blink stuff?
298 If no bold colour is set via "colorBD:", bold will invert text using the 333 If no bold colour is set via "colorBD:", bold will invert text using the
299 standard foreground colour. 334 standard foreground colour.
300 335
301 For the standard background colour, blinking will actually make the text 336 For the standard background colour, blinking will actually make the text
302 blink when compiled with "--enable-blinking". with standard colours. 337 blink when compiled with "--enable-text-blink". Without
303 Without "--enable-blinking", the blink attribute will be ignored. 338 "--enable-text-blink", the blink attribute will be ignored.
304 339
305 On ANSI colours, bold/blink attributes are used to set high-intensity 340 On ANSI colours, bold/blink attributes are used to set high-intensity
306 foreground/background colors. 341 foreground/background colours.
307 342
308 color0-7 are the low-intensity colors. 343 color0-7 are the low-intensity colours.
309 344
310 color8-15 are the corresponding high-intensity colors. 345 color8-15 are the corresponding high-intensity colours.
311 346
312 I don't like the screen colors. How do I change them? 347 I don't like the screen colours. How do I change them?
313 You can change the screen colors at run-time using ~/.Xdefaults 348 You can change the screen colours at run-time using ~/.Xdefaults
314 resources (or as long-options). 349 resources (or as long-options).
315 350
316 Here are values that are supposed to resemble a VGA screen, including 351 Here are values that are supposed to resemble a VGA screen, including
317 the murky brown that passes for low-intensity yellow: 352 the murky brown that passes for low-intensity yellow:
318 353
332 URxvt.color12: #0000FF 367 URxvt.color12: #0000FF
333 URxvt.color13: #FF00FF 368 URxvt.color13: #FF00FF
334 URxvt.color14: #00FFFF 369 URxvt.color14: #00FFFF
335 URxvt.color15: #FFFFFF 370 URxvt.color15: #FFFFFF
336 371
337 And here is a more complete set of non-standard colors. 372 And here is a more complete set of non-standard colours.
338 373
339 URxvt.cursorColor: #dc74d1 374 URxvt.cursorColor: #dc74d1
340 URxvt.pointerColor: #dc74d1 375 URxvt.pointerColor: #dc74d1
341 URxvt.background: #0e0e0e 376 URxvt.background: #0e0e0e
342 URxvt.foreground: #4ad5e1 377 URxvt.foreground: #4ad5e1
409 has been designed yet). 444 has been designed yet).
410 445
411 Until then, you might get away with switching fonts at runtime (see "Can 446 Until then, you might get away with switching fonts at runtime (see "Can
412 I switch the fonts at runtime?" later in this document). 447 I switch the fonts at runtime?" later in this document).
413 448
449 How can I make mplayer display video correctly?
450 We are working on it, in the meantime, as a workaround, use something
451 like:
452
453 urxvt -b 600 -geometry 20x1 -e sh -c 'mplayer -wid $WINDOWID file...'
454
455 Why is the cursor now blinking in emacs/vi/...?
456 This is likely caused by your editor/program's use of the "cvvis"
457 terminfo capability. Emacs uses it by default, as well as some versions
458 of vi and possibly other programs.
459
460 In emacs, you can switch that off by adding this to your ".emacs" file:
461
462 (setq visible-cursor nil)
463
464 For other programs, if they do not have an option, your have to remove
465 the "cvvis" capability from the terminfo description.
466
467 When urxvt first added the blinking cursor option, it didn't add a
468 "cvvis" capability, which served no purpose before. Version 9.21
469 introduced "cvvis" (and the ability to control blinking independent of
470 cursor shape) for compatibility with other terminals, which
471 traditionally use a blinking cursor for "cvvis". This also reflects the
472 intent of programs such as emacs, who expect "cvvis" to enable a
473 blinking cursor.
474
414 Keyboard, Mouse & User Interaction 475 Keyboard, Mouse & User Interaction
415 The new selection selects pieces that are too big, how can I select single words? 476 The new selection selects pieces that are too big, how can I select single words?
416 If you want to select e.g. alphanumeric words, you can use the following 477 If you want to select e.g. alphanumeric words, you can use the following
417 setting: 478 setting:
418 479
424 To get a selection that is very similar to the old code, try this 485 To get a selection that is very similar to the old code, try this
425 pattern: 486 pattern:
426 487
427 URxvt.selection.pattern-0: ([^"&'()*,;<=>?@[\\\\]^`{|})]+) 488 URxvt.selection.pattern-0: ([^"&'()*,;<=>?@[\\\\]^`{|})]+)
428 489
429 Please also note that the *LeftClick Shift-LeftClik* combination also 490 Please also note that the *LeftClick Shift-LeftClick* combination also
430 selects words like the old code. 491 selects words like the old code.
431 492
432 I don't like the new selection/popups/hotkeys/perl, how do I change/disable it? 493 I don't like the new selection/popups/hotkeys/perl, how do I change/disable it?
433 You can disable the perl extension completely by setting the 494 You can disable the perl extension completely by setting the
434 perl-ext-common resource to the empty string, which also keeps 495 perl-ext-common resource to the empty string, which also keeps
443 URxvt.perl-ext-common: default,-selection-popup,-option-popup 504 URxvt.perl-ext-common: default,-selection-popup,-option-popup
444 505
445 This will keep the default extensions, but disable the two popup 506 This will keep the default extensions, but disable the two popup
446 extensions. Some extensions can also be configured, for example, 507 extensions. Some extensions can also be configured, for example,
447 scrollback search mode is triggered by M-s. You can move it to any other 508 scrollback search mode is triggered by M-s. You can move it to any other
448 combination either by setting the searchable-scrollback resource: 509 combination by adding a keysym resource that binds the desired
510 combination to the "start" action of "searchable-scrollback" and another
511 one that binds M-s to the "builtin:" action:
449 512
450 URxvt.searchable-scrollback: CM-s 513 URxvt.keysym.CM-s: searchable-scrollback:start
514 URxvt.keysym.M-s: builtin:
451 515
452 The cursor moves when selecting text in the current input line, how do I switch this off? 516 The cursor moves when selecting text in the current input line, how do I switch this off?
453 See next entry. 517 See next entry.
454 518
455 During rlogin/ssh/telnet/etc. sessions, clicking near the cursor outputs strange escape sequences, how do I fix this? 519 During rlogin/ssh/telnet/etc. sessions, clicking near the cursor outputs strange escape sequences, how do I fix this?
457 circumstances, it will move your cursor around when you click into the 521 circumstances, it will move your cursor around when you click into the
458 line that contains it. It tries hard not to do this at the wrong moment, 522 line that contains it. It tries hard not to do this at the wrong moment,
459 but when running a program that doesn't parse cursor movements or in 523 but when running a program that doesn't parse cursor movements or in
460 some cases during rlogin sessions, it fails to detect this properly. 524 some cases during rlogin sessions, it fails to detect this properly.
461 525
462 You can permamently switch this feature off by disabling the "readline" 526 You can permanently switch this feature off by disabling the "readline"
463 extension: 527 extension:
464 528
465 URxvt.perl-ext-common: default,-readline 529 URxvt.perl-ext-common: default,-readline
466 530
467 My numerical keypad acts weird and generates differing output? 531 My numeric keypad acts weird and generates differing output?
468 Some Debian GNUL/Linux users seem to have this problem, although no 532 Some Debian GNU/Linux users seem to have this problem, although no
469 specific details were reported so far. It is possible that this is 533 specific details were reported so far. It is possible that this is
470 caused by the wrong "TERM" setting, although the details of wether and 534 caused by the wrong "TERM" setting, although the details of whether and
471 how this can happen are unknown, as "TERM=rxvt" should offer a 535 how this can happen are unknown, as "TERM=rxvt" should offer a
472 compatible keymap. See the answer to the previous question, and please 536 compatible keymap. See the answer to the previous question, and please
473 report if that helped. 537 report if that helped.
474 538
475 My Compose (Multi_key) key is no longer working. 539 My Compose (Multi_key) key is no longer working.
476 The most common causes for this are that either your locale is not set 540 The most common causes for this are that either your locale is not set
477 correctly, or you specified a preeditStyle that is not supported by your 541 correctly, or you specified a preeditType that is not supported by your
478 input method. For example, if you specified OverTheSpot and your input 542 input method. For example, if you specified OverTheSpot and your input
479 method (e.g. the default input method handling Compose keys) does not 543 method (e.g. the default input method handling Compose keys) does not
480 support this (for instance because it is not visual), then rxvt-unicode 544 support this (for instance because it is not visual), then rxvt-unicode
481 will continue without an input method. 545 will continue without an input method.
482 546
483 In this case either do not specify a preeditStyle or specify more than 547 In this case either do not specify a preeditType or specify more than
484 one pre-edit style, such as OverTheSpot,Root,None. 548 one pre-edit style, such as OverTheSpot,Root,None.
549
550 If it still doesn't work, then maybe your input method doesn't support
551 compose sequences - to fall back to the built-in one, make sure you
552 don't specify an input method via "-im" or "XMODIFIERS".
485 553
486 I cannot type "Ctrl-Shift-2" to get an ASCII NUL character due to ISO 14755 554 I cannot type "Ctrl-Shift-2" to get an ASCII NUL character due to ISO 14755
487 Either try "Ctrl-2" alone (it often is mapped to ASCII NUL even on 555 Either try "Ctrl-2" alone (it often is mapped to ASCII NUL even on
488 international keyboards) or simply use ISO 14755 support to your 556 international keyboards) or simply use ISO 14755 support to your
489 advantage, typing <Ctrl-Shift-0> to get a ASCII NUL. This works for 557 advantage, typing <Ctrl-Shift-0> to get a ASCII NUL. This works for
490 other codes, too, such as "Ctrl-Shift-1-d" to type the default telnet 558 other codes, too, such as "Ctrl-Shift-1-d" to type the default telnet
491 escape character and so on. 559 escape character and so on.
492 560
493 Mouse cut/paste suddenly no longer works. 561 Mouse cut/paste suddenly no longer works.
494 Make sure that mouse reporting is actually turned off since killing some 562 Make sure that mouse reporting is actually turned off since killing some
495 editors prematurely may leave the mouse in mouse report mode. I've heard 563 editors prematurely may leave it active. I've heard that tcsh may use
496 that tcsh may use mouse reporting unless it otherwise specified. A quick 564 mouse reporting unless it is otherwise specified. A quick check is to
497 check is to see if cut/paste works when the Alt or Shift keys are 565 see if cut/paste works when the Alt or Shift keys are pressed.
498 depressed.
499 566
500 What's with the strange Backspace/Delete key behaviour? 567 What's with the strange Backspace/Delete key behaviour?
501 Assuming that the physical Backspace key corresponds to the BackSpace 568 Assuming that the physical Backspace key corresponds to the Backspace
502 keysym (not likely for Linux ... see the following question) there are 569 keysym (not likely for Linux ... see the following question) there are
503 two standard values that can be used for Backspace: "^H" and "^?". 570 two standard values that can be used for Backspace: "^H" and "^?".
504 571
505 Historically, either value is correct, but rxvt-unicode adopts the 572 Historically, either value is correct, but rxvt-unicode adopts the
506 debian policy of using "^?" when unsure, because it's the one only only 573 debian policy of using "^?" when unsure, because it's the one and only
507 correct choice :). 574 correct choice :).
508 575
509 Rxvt-unicode tries to inherit the current stty settings and uses the 576 It is possible to toggle between "^H" and "^?" with the DECBKM private
510 value of `erase' to guess the value for backspace. If rxvt-unicode 577 mode:
511 wasn't started from a terminal (say, from a menu or by remote shell),
512 then the system value of `erase', which corresponds to CERASE in
513 <termios.h>, will be used (which may not be the same as your stty
514 setting).
515
516 For starting a new rxvt-unicode:
517 578
518 # use Backspace = ^H 579 # use Backspace = ^H
519 $ stty erase ^H 580 $ stty erase ^H
520 $ urxvt 581 $ printf "\e[?67h"
521 582
522 # use Backspace = ^? 583 # use Backspace = ^?
523 $ stty erase ^? 584 $ stty erase ^?
524 $ urxvt 585 $ printf "\e[?67l"
525
526 Toggle with "ESC [ 36 h" / "ESC [ 36 l".
527
528 For an existing rxvt-unicode:
529
530 # use Backspace = ^H
531 $ stty erase ^H
532 $ echo -n "^[[36h"
533
534 # use Backspace = ^?
535 $ stty erase ^?
536 $ echo -n "^[[36l"
537 586
538 This helps satisfy some of the Backspace discrepancies that occur, but 587 This helps satisfy some of the Backspace discrepancies that occur, but
539 if you use Backspace = "^H", make sure that the termcap/terminfo value 588 if you use Backspace = "^H", make sure that the termcap/terminfo value
540 properly reflects that. 589 properly reflects that.
541 590
557 use the `keysym' resource to alter the keystrings associated with 606 use the `keysym' resource to alter the keystrings associated with
558 keysyms. 607 keysyms.
559 608
560 Here's an example for a URxvt session started using "urxvt -name URxvt" 609 Here's an example for a URxvt session started using "urxvt -name URxvt"
561 610
611 URxvt.keysym.Prior: \033[5~
612 URxvt.keysym.Next: \033[6~
562 URxvt.keysym.Home: \033[1~ 613 URxvt.keysym.Home: \033[7~
563 URxvt.keysym.End: \033[4~ 614 URxvt.keysym.End: \033[8~
564 URxvt.keysym.C-apostrophe: \033<C-'>
565 URxvt.keysym.C-slash: \033<C-/>
566 URxvt.keysym.C-semicolon: \033<C-;>
567 URxvt.keysym.C-grave: \033<C-`>
568 URxvt.keysym.C-comma: \033<C-,>
569 URxvt.keysym.C-period: \033<C-.>
570 URxvt.keysym.C-0x60: \033<C-`>
571 URxvt.keysym.C-Tab: \033<C-Tab>
572 URxvt.keysym.C-Return: \033<C-Return>
573 URxvt.keysym.S-Return: \033<S-Return>
574 URxvt.keysym.S-space: \033<S-Space>
575 URxvt.keysym.M-Up: \033<M-Up> 615 URxvt.keysym.Up: \033[A
576 URxvt.keysym.M-Down: \033<M-Down> 616 URxvt.keysym.Down: \033[B
617 URxvt.keysym.Right: \033[C
577 URxvt.keysym.M-Left: \033<M-Left> 618 URxvt.keysym.Left: \033[D
578 URxvt.keysym.M-Right: \033<M-Right>
579 URxvt.keysym.M-C-0: list \033<M-C- 0123456789 >
580 URxvt.keysym.M-C-a: list \033<M-C- abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz >
581 URxvt.keysym.F12: command:\033]701;zh_CN.GBK\007
582 619
583 See some more examples in the documentation for the keysym resource. 620 See some more examples in the documentation for the keysym resource.
584 621
585 I'm using keyboard model XXX that has extra Prior/Next/Insert keys. How do I make use of them? For example, the Sun Keyboard type 4 has the following map 622 I'm using keyboard model XXX that has extra Prior/Next/Insert keys. How do I make use of them? For example, the Sun Keyboard type 4 has the following map
586 KP_Insert == Insert 623 KP_Insert == Insert
603 time into customising your terminal. To get you started, here is the 640 time into customising your terminal. To get you started, here is the
604 author's .Xdefaults entries, with comments on what they do. It's 641 author's .Xdefaults entries, with comments on what they do. It's
605 certainly not *typical*, but what's typical... 642 certainly not *typical*, but what's typical...
606 643
607 URxvt.cutchars: "()*,<>[]{}|' 644 URxvt.cutchars: "()*,<>[]{}|'
608 URxvt.print-pipe: cat >/tmp/xxx 645 URxvt.print-pipe: cat >/some/path
609 646
610 These are just for testing stuff. 647 These are just for testing stuff.
611 648
612 URxvt.imLocale: ja_JP.UTF-8 649 URxvt.imLocale: ja_JP.UTF-8
613 URxvt.preeditType: OnTheSpot,None 650 URxvt.preeditType: OnTheSpot,None
628 directory and also tells urxvt to use a large number of extensions. I 665 directory and also tells urxvt to use a large number of extensions. I
629 develop for myself mostly, so I actually use most of the extensions I 666 develop for myself mostly, so I actually use most of the extensions I
630 write. 667 write.
631 668
632 The selection stuff mainly makes the selection perl-error-message aware 669 The selection stuff mainly makes the selection perl-error-message aware
633 and tells it to convert pelr error mssages into vi-commands to load the 670 and tells it to convert perl error messages into vi-commands to load the
634 relevant file and go tot he error line number. 671 relevant file and go to the error line number.
635 672
636 URxvt.scrollstyle: plain 673 URxvt.scrollstyle: plain
637 URxvt.secondaryScroll: true 674 URxvt.secondaryScroll: true
638 675
639 As the documentation says: plain is the preferred scrollbar for the 676 As the documentation says: plain is the preferred scrollbar for the
640 author. The "secondaryScroll" confgiures urxvt to scroll in full-screen 677 author. The "secondaryScroll" configures urxvt to scroll in full-screen
641 apps, like screen, so lines scorlled out of screen end up in urxvt's 678 apps, like screen, so lines scrolled out of screen end up in urxvt's
642 scrollback buffer. 679 scrollback buffer.
643 680
644 URxvt.background: #000000 681 URxvt.background: #000000
645 URxvt.foreground: gray90 682 URxvt.foreground: gray90
646 URxvt.color7: gray90 683 URxvt.color7: gray90
697 urxvt.boldFont: -xos4-terminus-bold-r-normal--14-140-72-72-c-80-iso8859-15 734 urxvt.boldFont: -xos4-terminus-bold-r-normal--14-140-72-72-c-80-iso8859-15
698 urxvt.italicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:italic:autohint=true 735 urxvt.italicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:italic:autohint=true
699 urxvt.boldItalicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:bold:italic:autohint=true 736 urxvt.boldItalicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:bold:italic:autohint=true
700 737
701 I wrote rxvt-unicode to be able to specify fonts exactly. So don't be 738 I wrote rxvt-unicode to be able to specify fonts exactly. So don't be
702 overwhelmed. A special note: the "9x15bold" mentioend above is actually 739 overwhelmed. A special note: the "9x15bold" mentioned above is actually
703 the version from XFree-3.3, as XFree-4 replaced it by a totally 740 the version from XFree-3.3, as XFree-4 replaced it by a totally
704 different font (different glyphs for ";" and many other harmless 741 different font (different glyphs for ";" and many other harmless
705 characters), while the second font is actually the "9x15bold" from 742 characters), while the second font is actually the "9x15bold" from
706 XFree4/XOrg. The bold version has less chars than the medium version, so 743 XFree4/XOrg. The bold version has less chars than the medium version, so
707 I use it for rare characters, too. Whene ditign sources with vim, I use 744 I use it for rare characters, too. When editing sources with vim, I use
708 italic for comments and other stuff, which looks quite good with 745 italic for comments and other stuff, which looks quite good with
709 Bitstream Vera anti-aliased. 746 Bitstream Vera anti-aliased.
710 747
711 Terminus is a quite bad font (many very wrong glyphs), but for most of 748 Terminus is a quite bad font (many very wrong glyphs), but for most of
712 my purposes, it works, and gives a different look, as my normal 749 my purposes, it works, and gives a different look, as my normal
713 (Non-bold) font is already bold, and I want to see a difference between 750 (Non-bold) font is already bold, and I want to see a difference between
714 bold and normal fonts. 751 bold and normal fonts.
715 752
716 Please note that I used the "urxvt" instance name and not the "URxvt" 753 Please note that I used the "urxvt" instance name and not the "URxvt"
717 class name. Thats because I use different configs for different 754 class name. That is because I use different configs for different
718 purposes, for example, my IRC window is started with "-name IRC", and 755 purposes, for example, my IRC window is started with "-name IRC", and
719 uses these defaults: 756 uses these defaults:
720 757
721 IRC*title: IRC 758 IRC*title: IRC
722 IRC*geometry: 87x12+535+542 759 IRC*geometry: 87x12+535+542
726 IRC*boldFont: suxuseuro 763 IRC*boldFont: suxuseuro
727 IRC*colorBD: white 764 IRC*colorBD: white
728 IRC*keysym.M-C-1: command:\033]710;suxuseuro\007\033]711;suxuseuro\007 765 IRC*keysym.M-C-1: command:\033]710;suxuseuro\007\033]711;suxuseuro\007
729 IRC*keysym.M-C-2: command:\033]710;9x15bold\007\033]711;9x15bold\007 766 IRC*keysym.M-C-2: command:\033]710;9x15bold\007\033]711;9x15bold\007
730 767
731 "Alt-Shift-1" and "Alt-Shift-2" switch between two different font sizes. 768 "Alt-Ctrl-1" and "Alt-Ctrl-2" switch between two different font sizes.
732 "suxuseuro" allows me to keep an eye (and actually read) stuff while 769 "suxuseuro" allows me to keep an eye (and actually read) stuff while
733 keeping a very small window. If somebody pastes something complicated 770 keeping a very small window. If somebody pastes something complicated
734 (e.g. japanese), I temporarily switch to a larger font. 771 (e.g. japanese), I temporarily switch to a larger font.
735 772
736 The above is all in my ".Xdefaults" (I don't use ".Xresources" nor 773 The above is all in my ".Xdefaults" (I don't use ".Xresources" nor
737 "xrdb"). I also have some resources in a separate ".Xdefaults-hostname" 774 "xrdb"). I also have some resources in a separate ".Xdefaults-hostname"
738 file for different hosts, for example, on ym main desktop, I use: 775 file for different hosts, for example, on my main desktop, I use:
739 776
740 URxvt.keysym.C-M-q: command:\033[3;5;5t 777 URxvt.keysym.C-M-q: command:\033[3;5;5t
741 URxvt.keysym.C-M-y: command:\033[3;5;606t 778 URxvt.keysym.C-M-y: command:\033[3;5;606t
742 URxvt.keysym.C-M-e: command:\033[3;1605;5t 779 URxvt.keysym.C-M-e: command:\033[3;1605;5t
743 URxvt.keysym.C-M-c: command:\033[3;1605;606t 780 URxvt.keysym.C-M-c: command:\033[3;1605;606t
763 Also consider the form resources have to use: 800 Also consider the form resources have to use:
764 801
765 URxvt.resource: value 802 URxvt.resource: value
766 803
767 If you want to use another form (there are lots of different ways of 804 If you want to use another form (there are lots of different ways of
768 specifying resources), make sure you understand wether and why it works. 805 specifying resources), make sure you understand whether and why it
769 If unsure, use the form above. 806 works. If unsure, use the form above.
770 807
771 When I log-in to another system it tells me about missing terminfo data? 808 When I log-in to another system it tells me about missing terminfo data?
772 The terminal description used by rxvt-unicode is not as widely available 809 The terminal description used by rxvt-unicode is not as widely available
773 as that for xterm, or even rxvt (for which the same problem often 810 as that for xterm, or even rxvt (for which the same problem often
774 arises). 811 arises).
775 812
776 The correct solution for this problem is to install the terminfo, this 813 The correct solution for this problem is to install the terminfo, this
777 can be done like this (with ncurses' infocmp): 814 can be done by simply installing rxvt-unicode on the remote system as
815 well (in case you have a nice package manager ready), or you can install
816 the terminfo database manually like this (with ncurses infocmp. works as
817 user and root):
778 818
779 REMOTE=remotesystem.domain 819 REMOTE=remotesystem.domain
780 infocmp rxvt-unicode | ssh $REMOTE "cat >/tmp/ti && tic /tmp/ti" 820 infocmp rxvt-unicode | ssh $REMOTE "mkdir -p .terminfo && cat >/tmp/ti && tic /tmp/ti"
781 821
782 ... or by installing rxvt-unicode normally on the remote system, 822 One some systems you might need to set $TERMINFO to the full path of
823 $HOME/.terminfo for this to work.
783 824
784 If you cannot or do not want to do this, then you can simply set 825 If you cannot or do not want to do this, then you can simply set
785 "TERM=rxvt" or even "TERM=xterm", and live with the small number of 826 "TERM=rxvt" or even "TERM=xterm", and live with the small number of
786 problems arising, which includes wrong keymapping, less and different 827 problems arising, which includes wrong keymapping, less and different
787 colours and some refresh errors in fullscreen applications. It's a nice 828 colours and some refresh errors in fullscreen applications. It's a nice
794 URxvt.termName: rxvt 835 URxvt.termName: rxvt
795 836
796 If you don't plan to use rxvt (quite common...) you could also replace 837 If you don't plan to use rxvt (quite common...) you could also replace
797 the rxvt terminfo file with the rxvt-unicode one and use "TERM=rxvt". 838 the rxvt terminfo file with the rxvt-unicode one and use "TERM=rxvt".
798 839
840 nano fails with "Error opening terminal: rxvt-unicode"
841 This exceptionally confusing and useless error message is printed by
842 nano when it can't find the terminfo database. Nothing is wrong with
843 your terminal, read the previous answer for a solution.
844
799 "tic" outputs some error when compiling the terminfo entry. 845 "tic" outputs some error when compiling the terminfo entry.
800 Most likely it's the empty definition for "enacs=". Just replace it by 846 Most likely it's the empty definition for "enacs=". Just replace it by
801 "enacs=\E[0@" and try again. 847 "enacs=\E[0@" and try again.
802 848
803 "bash"'s readline does not work correctly under urxvt. 849 "bash"'s readline does not work correctly under urxvt.
804 See next entry. 850 See next entry.
805 851
806 I need a termcap file entry. 852 I need a termcap file entry.
807 One reason you might want this is that some distributions or operating 853 One reason you might want this is that some distributions or operating
808 systems still compile some programs using the long-obsoleted termcap 854 systems still compile some programs using the long-obsoleted termcap
809 library (Fedora Core's bash is one example) and rely on a termcap entry 855 library (Fedora's bash is one example) and rely on a termcap entry for
810 for "rxvt-unicode". 856 "rxvt-unicode".
811 857
812 You could use rxvt's termcap entry with resonable results in many cases. 858 You could use rxvt's termcap entry with reasonable results in many
813 You can also create a termcap entry by using terminfo's infocmp program 859 cases. You can also create a termcap entry by using terminfo's infocmp
814 like this: 860 program like this:
815 861
816 infocmp -C rxvt-unicode 862 infocmp -C rxvt-unicode
817 863
818 Or you could use this termcap entry, generated by the command above: 864 Or you could use the termcap entry in doc/etc/rxvt-unicode.termcap,
819 865 generated by the command above.
820 rxvt-unicode|rxvt-unicode terminal (X Window System):\
821 :am:bw:eo:km:mi:ms:xn:xo:\
822 :co#80:it#8:li#24:lm#0:\
823 :AL=\E[%dL:DC=\E[%dP:DL=\E[%dM:DO=\E[%dB:IC=\E[%d@:\
824 :K1=\EOw:K2=\EOu:K3=\EOy:K4=\EOq:K5=\EOs:LE=\E[%dD:\
825 :RI=\E[%dC:SF=\E[%dS:SR=\E[%dT:UP=\E[%dA:ae=\E(B:al=\E[L:\
826 :as=\E(0:bl=^G:cd=\E[J:ce=\E[K:cl=\E[H\E[2J:\
827 :cm=\E[%i%d;%dH:cr=^M:cs=\E[%i%d;%dr:ct=\E[3g:dc=\E[P:\
828 :dl=\E[M:do=^J:ec=\E[%dX:ei=\E[4l:ho=\E[H:\
829 :i1=\E[?47l\E=\E[?1l:ic=\E[@:im=\E[4h:\
830 :is=\E[r\E[m\E[2J\E[H\E[?7h\E[?1;3;4;6l\E[4l:\
831 :k1=\E[11~:k2=\E[12~:k3=\E[13~:k4=\E[14~:k5=\E[15~:\
832 :k6=\E[17~:k7=\E[18~:k8=\E[19~:k9=\E[20~:kD=\E[3~:\
833 :kI=\E[2~:kN=\E[6~:kP=\E[5~:kb=\177:kd=\EOB:ke=\E[?1l\E>:\
834 :kh=\E[7~:kl=\EOD:kr=\EOC:ks=\E[?1h\E=:ku=\EOA:le=^H:\
835 :mb=\E[5m:md=\E[1m:me=\E[m\017:mr=\E[7m:nd=\E[C:rc=\E8:\
836 :sc=\E7:se=\E[27m:sf=^J:so=\E[7m:sr=\EM:st=\EH:ta=^I:\
837 :te=\E[r\E[?1049l:ti=\E[?1049h:ue=\E[24m:up=\E[A:\
838 :us=\E[4m:vb=\E[?5h\E[?5l:ve=\E[?25h:vi=\E[?25l:\
839 :vs=\E[?25h:
840 866
841 Why does "ls" no longer have coloured output? 867 Why does "ls" no longer have coloured output?
842 The "ls" in the GNU coreutils unfortunately doesn't use terminfo to 868 The "ls" in the GNU coreutils unfortunately doesn't use terminfo to
843 decide wether a terminal has colour, but uses its own configuration 869 decide whether a terminal has colour, but uses its own configuration
844 file. Needless to say, "rxvt-unicode" is not in its default file (among 870 file. Needless to say, "rxvt-unicode" is not in its default file (among
845 with most other terminals supporting colour). Either add: 871 with most other terminals supporting colour). Either add:
846 872
847 TERM rxvt-unicode 873 TERM rxvt-unicode
848 874
858 Why doesn't vim/emacs etc. make use of italic? 884 Why doesn't vim/emacs etc. make use of italic?
859 See next entry. 885 See next entry.
860 886
861 Why are the secondary screen-related options not working properly? 887 Why are the secondary screen-related options not working properly?
862 Make sure you are using "TERM=rxvt-unicode". Some pre-packaged 888 Make sure you are using "TERM=rxvt-unicode". Some pre-packaged
863 distributions (most notably Debian GNU/Linux) break rxvt-unicode by 889 distributions break rxvt-unicode by setting "TERM" to "rxvt", which
864 setting "TERM" to "rxvt", which doesn't have these extra features. 890 doesn't have these extra features. Unfortunately, some of these
865 Unfortunately, some of these (most notably, again, Debian GNU/Linux)
866 furthermore fail to even install the "rxvt-unicode" terminfo file, so 891 furthermore fail to even install the "rxvt-unicode" terminfo file, so
867 you will need to install it on your own (See the question When I log-in 892 you will need to install it on your own (See the question When I log-in
868 to another system it tells me about missing terminfo data? on how to do 893 to another system it tells me about missing terminfo data? on how to do
869 this). 894 this).
870 895
876 If you encounter strange problems like typing an accented character but 901 If you encounter strange problems like typing an accented character but
877 getting two unrelated other characters or similar, or if program output 902 getting two unrelated other characters or similar, or if program output
878 is subtly garbled, then you should check your locale settings. 903 is subtly garbled, then you should check your locale settings.
879 904
880 Rxvt-unicode must be started with the same "LC_CTYPE" setting as the 905 Rxvt-unicode must be started with the same "LC_CTYPE" setting as the
881 programs. Often rxvt-unicode is started in the "C" locale, while the 906 programs running in it. Often rxvt-unicode is started in the "C" locale,
882 login script running within the rxvt-unicode window changes the locale 907 while the login script running within the rxvt-unicode window changes
883 to something else, e.g. "en_GB.UTF-8". Needless to say, this is not 908 the locale to something else, e.g. "en_GB.UTF-8". Needless to say, this
884 going to work. 909 is not going to work, and is the most common cause for problems.
885 910
886 The best thing is to fix your startup environment, as you will likely 911 The best thing is to fix your startup environment, as you will likely
887 run into other problems. If nothing works you can try this in your 912 run into other problems. If nothing works you can try this in your
888 .profile. 913 .profile.
889 914
890 printf '\33]701;%s\007' "$LC_CTYPE" 915 printf '\33]701;%s\007' "$LC_CTYPE" # $LANG or $LC_ALL are worth a try, too
891 916
892 If this doesn't work, then maybe you use a "LC_CTYPE" specification not 917 If this doesn't work, then maybe you use a "LC_CTYPE" specification not
893 supported on your systems. Some systems have a "locale" command which 918 supported on your systems. Some systems have a "locale" command which
894 displays this (also, "perl -e0" can be used to check locale settings, as 919 displays this (also, "perl -e0" can be used to check locale settings, as
895 it will complain loudly if it cannot set the locale). If it displays 920 it will complain loudly if it cannot set the locale). If it displays
976 1001
977 - Make sure your XIM server is actually running. 1002 - Make sure your XIM server is actually running.
978 - Make sure the "XMODIFIERS" environment variable is set correctly when 1003 - Make sure the "XMODIFIERS" environment variable is set correctly when
979 *starting* rxvt-unicode. 1004 *starting* rxvt-unicode.
980 When you want to use e.g. kinput2, it must be set to "@im=kinput2". 1005 When you want to use e.g. kinput2, it must be set to "@im=kinput2".
981 For scim, use "@im=SCIM". Youc an see what input method servers are 1006 For scim, use "@im=SCIM". You can see what input method servers are
982 running with this command: 1007 running with this command:
983 1008
984 xprop -root XIM_SERVERS 1009 xprop -root XIM_SERVERS
985
986
987 1010
988 My input method wants <some encoding> but I want UTF-8, what can I do? 1011 My input method wants <some encoding> but I want UTF-8, what can I do?
989 You can specify separate locales for the input method and the rest of 1012 You can specify separate locales for the input method and the rest of
990 the terminal, using the resource "imlocale": 1013 the terminal, using the resource "imlocale":
991 1014
1005 cannot be completely avoided even if both sides cooperate. 1028 cannot be completely avoided even if both sides cooperate.
1006 1029
1007 So the only workaround is not to kill your Input Method Servers. 1030 So the only workaround is not to kill your Input Method Servers.
1008 1031
1009 Operating Systems / Package Maintaining 1032 Operating Systems / Package Maintaining
1010 I am using Debian GNU/Linux and have a problem...
1011 The Debian GNU/Linux package of rxvt-unicode in sarge contains large
1012 patches that considerably change the behaviour of rxvt-unicode (but
1013 unfortunately this notice has been removed). Before reporting a bug to
1014 the original rxvt-unicode author please download and install the genuine
1015 version (<http://software.schmorp.de#rxvt-unicode>) and try to reproduce
1016 the problem. If you cannot, chances are that the problems are specific
1017 to Debian GNU/Linux, in which case it should be reported via the Debian
1018 Bug Tracking System (use "reportbug" to report the bug).
1019
1020 For other problems that also affect the Debian package, you can and
1021 probably should use the Debian BTS, too, because, after all, it's also a
1022 bug in the Debian version and it serves as a reminder for other users
1023 that might encounter the same issue.
1024
1025 I am maintaining rxvt-unicode for distribution/OS XXX, any recommendation? 1033 I am maintaining rxvt-unicode for distribution/OS XXX, any recommendation?
1026 You should build one binary with the default options. configure now 1034 You should build one binary with the default options. configure now
1027 enables most useful options, and the trend goes to making them 1035 enables most useful options, and the trend goes to making them
1028 runtime-switchable, too, so there is usually no drawback to enbaling 1036 runtime-switchable, too, so there is usually no drawback to enabling
1029 them, except higher disk and possibly memory usage. The perl interpreter 1037 them, except higher disk and possibly memory usage. The perl interpreter
1030 should be enabled, as important functionality (menus, selection, likely 1038 should be enabled, as important functionality (menus, selection, likely
1031 more in the future) depends on it. 1039 more in the future) depends on it.
1032 1040
1033 You should not overwrite the "perl-ext-common" snd "perl-ext" resources 1041 You should not overwrite the "perl-ext-common" and "perl-ext" resources
1034 system-wide (except maybe with "defaults"). This will result in useful 1042 system-wide (except maybe with "defaults"). This will result in useful
1035 behaviour. If your distribution aims at low memory, add an empty 1043 behaviour. If your distribution aims at low memory, add an empty
1036 "perl-ext-common" resource to the app-defaults file. This will keep the 1044 "perl-ext-common" resource to the app-defaults file. This will keep the
1037 perl interpreter disabled until the user enables it. 1045 perl interpreter disabled until the user enables it.
1038 1046
1055 This forking is done as the very first within main(), which is very 1063 This forking is done as the very first within main(), which is very
1056 early and reduces possible bugs to initialisation code run before 1064 early and reduces possible bugs to initialisation code run before
1057 main(), or things like the dynamic loader of your system, which should 1065 main(), or things like the dynamic loader of your system, which should
1058 result in very little risk. 1066 result in very little risk.
1059 1067
1060 On Solaris 9, many line-drawing characters are too wide.
1061 Seems to be a known bug, read
1062 <http://nixdoc.net/files/forum/about34198.html>. Some people use the
1063 following ugly workaround to get non-double-wide-characters working:
1064
1065 #define wcwidth(x) wcwidth(x) > 1 ? 1 : wcwidth(x)
1066
1067 I am on FreeBSD and rxvt-unicode does not seem to work at all. 1068 I am on FreeBSD and rxvt-unicode does not seem to work at all.
1068 Rxvt-unicode requires the symbol "__STDC_ISO_10646__" to be defined in 1069 Rxvt-unicode requires the symbol "__STDC_ISO_10646__" to be defined in
1069 your compile environment, or an implementation that implements it, 1070 your compile environment, or an implementation that implements it,
1070 wether it defines the symbol or not. "__STDC_ISO_10646__" requires that 1071 whether it defines the symbol or not. "__STDC_ISO_10646__" requires that
1071 wchar_t is represented as unicode. 1072 wchar_t is represented as unicode.
1072 1073
1073 As you might have guessed, FreeBSD does neither define this symobl nor 1074 As you might have guessed, FreeBSD does neither define this symbol nor
1074 does it support it. Instead, it uses its own internal representation of 1075 does it support it. Instead, it uses its own internal representation of
1075 wchar_t. This is, of course, completely fine with respect to standards. 1076 wchar_t. This is, of course, completely fine with respect to standards.
1076 1077
1077 However, that means rxvt-unicode only works in "POSIX", "ISO-8859-1" and 1078 However, that means rxvt-unicode only works in "POSIX", "ISO-8859-1" and
1078 "UTF-8" locales under FreeBSD (which all use Unicode as wchar_t. 1079 "UTF-8" locales under FreeBSD (which all use Unicode as wchar_t).
1079 1080
1080 "__STDC_ISO_10646__" is the only sane way to support multi-language apps 1081 "__STDC_ISO_10646__" is the only sane way to support multi-language apps
1081 in an OS, as using a locale-dependent (and non-standardized) 1082 in an OS, as using a locale-dependent (and non-standardized)
1082 representation of wchar_t makes it impossible to convert between wchar_t 1083 representation of wchar_t makes it impossible to convert between wchar_t
1083 (as used by X11 and your applications) and any other encoding without 1084 (as used by X11 and your applications) and any other encoding without
1093 1094
1094 The rxvt-unicode author insists that the right way to fix this is in the 1095 The rxvt-unicode author insists that the right way to fix this is in the
1095 system libraries once and for all, instead of forcing every app to carry 1096 system libraries once and for all, instead of forcing every app to carry
1096 complete replacements for them :) 1097 complete replacements for them :)
1097 1098
1098 I use Solaris 9 and it doesn't compile/work/etc.
1099 Try the diff in doc/solaris9.patch as a base. It fixes the worst
1100 problems with "wcwidth" and a compile problem.
1101
1102 How can I use rxvt-unicode under cygwin? 1099 How can I use rxvt-unicode under cygwin?
1103 rxvt-unicode should compile and run out of the box on cygwin, using the 1100 rxvt-unicode should compile and run out of the box on cygwin, using the
1104 X11 libraries that come with cygwin. libW11 emulation is no longer 1101 X11 libraries that come with cygwin. libW11 emulation is no longer
1105 supported (and makes no sense, either, as it only supported a single 1102 supported (and makes no sense, either, as it only supported a single
1106 font). I recommend starting the X-server in "-multiwindow" or 1103 font). I recommend starting the X-server in "-multiwindow" or
1109 1106
1110 At the time of this writing, cygwin didn't seem to support any 1107 At the time of this writing, cygwin didn't seem to support any
1111 multi-byte encodings (you might try "LC_CTYPE=C-UTF-8"), so you are 1108 multi-byte encodings (you might try "LC_CTYPE=C-UTF-8"), so you are
1112 likely limited to 8-bit encodings. 1109 likely limited to 8-bit encodings.
1113 1110
1111 Character widths are not correct.
1112 urxvt uses the system wcwidth function to know the information about the
1113 width of characters, so on systems with incorrect locale data you will
1114 likely get bad results. Two notorious examples are Solaris 9, where
1115 single-width characters like U+2514 are reported as double-width, and
1116 Darwin 8, where combining chars are reported having width 1.
1117
1118 The solution is to upgrade your system or switch to a better one. A
1119 possibly working workaround is to use a wcwidth implementation like
1120
1121 http://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/~mgk25/ucs/wcwidth.c
1122

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