Linux bash read output explanation

Question

Hi,

I would like to understand the values I get from read command in console. Are these outputs combinations of some keys?

F2   ^[OQ
F3   ^[OR
F4   ^[OS
ESC  ^[

My problem is that I use special 128 keys keyboard that is programmed for specific software. I need to send these "keys" into this software using code below. Don't be confused about the fact that I'm using Linux to read keyboard and in code below I use Win. I'm just trying to figure it out first on my Linux box.

import win32api, win32com.client

shell = win32com.client.Dispatch('WScript.Shell')
shell.AppActivate('Some Application Title')
shell.SendKeys('%fo')    # Alt+F, O
win32api.Sleep(100)

Thnx guys

Answer 1

These are standard ANSI Escape Sequences. The "^[" is an CSI = Control Sequence Introducer (not a TV series).

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ANSI_escape_sequences or a similar source on ANSI Escape Sequences.

If you send such sequences to something that recognises them, you can cause the effect they imply, like clear screen, change colour or, indeed, act as if the F1 key was pressed. However, you do need a recipient which does handle them! (like an linux console) A simple File stream would just write the characters.