take

Script terminal sessions in plain text. Replay them exactly.

Quick Start • Why take • Install • Script Format • Project Maturity • License

take is a Rust CLI for authoring terminal scripts as code. No screen recording workflow, no manual retakes. Just a .take file and deterministic playback.

Quick Start

take play demo.take

# demo.take

Set Shell zsh
Set Pace 250ms

Sleep 1s
Type "echo hello from take"
Enter
Sleep 700ms
Type "ls -la"
Enter

Why take?

• Plain-text scripts you can read, review, and version in git.
• Deterministic playback for docs, demos, and walkthroughs.
• A compact DSL focused on terminal flow: typing, pauses, enter, and visibility.

Install

cargo install --path .

Script Format

.take files describe a terminal session with simple directives.

Directives

Directive	Description
Set Shell <shell>	Shell to use (zsh, bash, fish, ...)
Set Output <file>	Output file path (for render/export workflows)
Set Pace <duration>	Default typing pace between keystrokes
Sleep <duration>	Pause for a duration (1s, 500ms, ...)
Type@<pace> "<text>"	Type text with an optional per-command pace override
Type "<text>"	Type text using the default pace
Enter	Press return
Hide	Hide terminal output
Show	Show terminal output

Durations follow Rust style units: ms for milliseconds, s for seconds.

Project Maturity

take is in early development and the DSL is still evolving.

Right now:

• take play is in progress.
• take rec is planned.
• Export workflows are in progress.

Near term:

• Complete playback stability and script compatibility.
• Add first-pass recording support.
• Improve export options (GIF / video).

License

MIT