How to Show Loading … Animation with Bash Script

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In the world of programming and scripting, providing users with feedback during processes that may take a significant amount of time is crucial for a seamless experience. One effective method to achieve this is by showing a loading animation. This article will guide you on how to implement a simple loading animation using a Bash script.

Prerequisites

  • Understanding of Bash scripting
  • Familiarity with creating and executing .sh files
  • Basic knowledge of loops and functions in Bash

DID YOU KNOW?

Loading animations have been shown to improve user satisfaction, as they provide a visual indication that a process is ongoing.

The Script

The following Bash script demonstrates a basic loading animation that displays a spinning cursor while a simulated process runs. The script can be customized according to specific needs or processes:

#!/bin/bash

function loading_animation {
    local pid=$1
    local delay=0.75
    local spin='/-\|'
    local i=0

    while kill -0 $pid 2>/dev/null; do
        i=$(( (i+1) % 4 ))
        printf "\rProcessing... ${spin:i:1}"
        sleep $delay
    done
    printf "\rDone!       \n"
}

long_running_command() {
    sleep 10  # Simulating a long process here
}

long_running_command &
loading_animation $!

Step-by-Step Explanation

NOTE!

Make sure to review the script carefully to understand how it functions before implementing it in your own projects.

This script consists of a function for the loading animation and a simulated long-running command. Here’s a breakdown of its main components:

  1. Function Definition: The `loading_animation` function takes a process ID as an argument. It uses a loop to create a spinning effect while the process is running.
  2. Spinning Indicator: The variable spin contains a string of characters that form the spinning animation.
  3. Long Running Command: The long_running_command function simulates a task taking 10 seconds. You should replace this with your actual process.
  4. Background Process: By appending & to the command, it runs in the background while the loading animation displays.

How to Run the Script

Running the script is straightforward. Follow these steps:

  1. Create a new file, loading_animation.sh, and paste the script into it.
  2. Make the script executable by running chmod +x loading_animation.sh.
  3. Execute the script using ./loading_animation.sh.

Conclusion

By utilizing a loading animation in your Bash scripts, you can enhance user experience significantly. With the simple example provided, you can adapt and implement it in various scenarios where feedback is essential during long-running processes.

FAQ

  1. Can I customize the loading animation?

    Yes, you can change the characters in the spin variable to create a different spinning effect.

  2. What should I do if my process is already in the background?

    In that case, you can modify the script to target your existing process ID.

  3. Is this suitable for very short processes?

    Not really. Loading animations are most effective for processes that take noticeable time to complete.

  4. What if I need a different layout for my script?

    You can modify the script layout and functions as per your requirement, while ensuring you keep the fundamental logic intact.

Troubleshooting

Here are some common issues you might encounter while implementing the loading animation in your Bash scripts:

  • Dashed Output: If you see incomplete or garbled characters during the animation, make sure your terminal supports escape sequences.
  • Script Not Executable: Ensure you have changed the file permissions using chmod +x your_script.sh.
  • Background Process Not Detected: If the loading animation does not stop, double-check that the correct process ID is being passed to the function.

 

 

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