How to: Create an animated BASH script to thank Linux Out Loud

# Download a fireplace scene
wget -O bg.webm https://allthatsinteresting.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/cinemagraph-gifs-fireplace.gif.webm

# Create an overlay.png in krita to the same dimensions (700 x 416)

image1107×554 199 KB

overlay700×416 138 KB

# Merge the overlay and the fireplace into bg.gif
ffmpeg -i bg.webm -i overlay.png \
	-filter_complex "[0:v][1:v] overlay=0:0'" \
	-pix_fmt yuv420p -c:a copy \
	bg.gif -y

# Split the gif into seperate images
ffmpeg -i bg.gif -vsync 0 frame-%03d.png

# Create a tighter loop by deleting frames
rm 'frame-'{027..070}'.png'

# Use chafa to convert each frame to terminal characters with color escape sequences
# Note: Set the terminal to the width you'd like the output to be.
for File in frame-*.png; do
	chafa "$File" > "$File.sh"
done

# Test a frame using printf to interpret the color sequences onto the terminal.
printf "$(< 'frame-001.png.sh')"

image791×502 36.6 KB

# Load every frame into an array
FrameArr=()
for File in frame-*.png.sh; do
	FrameArr+=("$(<"$File")")
done

# Create our script
printf '%s\n' '#!/usr/bin/env bash' > ./linux-out-loud-xmas

# Serialize the frame array safely into the script so when it executes it'll be recreated.
declare -p FrameArr >> ./linux-out-loud-xmas

# Add some newlines to make it easier to edit
printf '\n\n' >> ./linux-out-loud-xmas

nano ./linux-out-loud-xmas
	# Down arrow to get to the bottom
	# Add the following to the end of the script to perform the animation:

# Clear the screen
clear

# Hide the cursor
tput civis

# Take the first arguement for framespeed or use 0.03
FrameSpeed=${1:-0.03}

FrameArrLen=${#FrameArr[@]}
while true; do
	for (( i = 0; i < FrameArrLen; i++ )); do

		# Place the cursor at position 0 0
		# This prevents flicker because the frames will be overdrawing each other)
		tput cup 0 0

		printf "${FrameArr[$i]}"
		sleep "$FrameSpeed"
	done
done

# Make execurable for your user
chmod u+x ./linux-out-loud-xmas

# Enjoy
./linux-out-loud-xmas

I absolutely LOVE it @Ulfnic Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you as well. Thanks for being such an awesome listener, community member, and moderator.