---
title: "Termcodes"
description: "Low-level ANSI escape sequence builders for @bomb.sh/tty"
canonical: https://bomb.sh/docs/tty/api/termcodes/
---

# Termcodes

The termcodes module provides low-level escape sequence builders. Each function returns a `Uint8Array` you can write directly to stdout.

> **Tip:**
>
> Prefer the [settings helpers](/docs/tty/api/settings) for common terminal mode changes. Use termcodes when you need custom sequences or sequences not covered by settings.

## ESC(str)

Encode a plain escape sequence. Prepends `ESC` (`\x1b`) to the given string.

```ts
import { ESC } from "@bomb.sh/tty";

process.stdout.write(ESC("7")); // save cursor (DECSC)
```

## CSI(str)

Encode a Control Sequence Introducer command. Prepends `ESC[` to the given string.

```ts
import { CSI } from "@bomb.sh/tty";

process.stdout.write(CSI("2J")); // clear screen
```

## DSR()

Request cursor position via Device Status Report. Sends `CSI 6n`. The terminal responds with a Cursor Position Report (`CSI row ; column R`) where row and column are 1-based.

```ts
import { DSR } from "@bomb.sh/tty";

process.stdout.write(DSR());
```

The response is parsed as a `cursor` event by the [input parser](/docs/tty/api/input). Used by the [inline regions example](https://github.com/bombshell-dev/tty/blob/main/examples/inline-regions/index.ts) to place animated output in scrollback.

## SHOWCURSOR() / HIDECURSOR()

Show or hide the cursor (DEC private mode 25, DECTCEM).

```ts
import { HIDECURSOR, SHOWCURSOR } from "@bomb.sh/tty";

process.stdout.write(HIDECURSOR());
process.stdout.write(SHOWCURSOR());
```

Equivalent to [`cursor(false)`](/docs/tty/api/settings) / [`cursor(true)`](/docs/tty/api/settings).

## ALTSCREEN(options?) / MAINSCREEN()

Switch between main and alternate screen buffers.

```ts
import { ALTSCREEN, MAINSCREEN } from "@bomb.sh/tty";

process.stdout.write(ALTSCREEN());              // enter, clear
process.stdout.write(ALTSCREEN({ clear: false })); // enter, preserve
process.stdout.write(MAINSCREEN());             // return to main screen
```

Equivalent to [`alternateBuffer()`](/docs/tty/api/settings) / its revert sequence.

## Next steps

* [Settings API](/docs/tty/api/settings) (composable terminal mode helpers)
* [Getting Started](/docs/tty/basics/getting-started)