Q41701: Using ANSI Escape Sequences in Microsoft C

Article: Q41701
Product(s): See article
Version(s): 5.00 5.10
Operating System(s): MS-DOS
Keyword(s): ENDUSER | S_QuickC | mspl13_c
Last Modified: 17-MAY-1989

Question:

How can I control the screen display using ANSI.SYS escape sequences
in my C program? For example, how can I clear the screen using the
escape sequences?

Response:

The easiest way to use ANSI escape sequences is to use them in the
printf statement, as follows:

#include <stdio.h>

/* ESC[2J escape sequence clears the screen;
   \033 represents the octal code for ESC */

#define  CLEAR "\033[2J"
main()
{
 printf ("%s screen is now cleared",CLEAR);
}

The best source of information on different escape sequences is "The
MS-DOS Encyclopedia," Pages 731-738.

Note: For escape sequences to work correctly, ANSI.SYS must be
installed.

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