Getting Started with Termwind: The Tailwind CSS for PHP CLI Applications

Jul 6, 2024 | Programming

Are you ready to transform your PHP command-line applications into stunning interfaces with ease? With **Termwind**, you can harness the power of the **[Tailwind CSS](https://tailwindcss.com)** API right in your CLI. Imagine giving your terminal applications a stylish, modern look without breaking a sweat. Let’s dive into the installation and usage of Termwind!

Installation of Termwind

Before we begin, you’ll need to ensure you’ve got [PHP 8.0+](https://php.net/releases) installed. Once that’s sorted, you can easily set up Termwind using Composer. Here’s how:

composer require nunomaduro/termwind

Using Termwind in Your Projects

Termwind allows you to render styled output easily. Here’s a quick analogy: think of launching a term-based application like setting up a stage for a play. You prepare the props and backdrop to create the right atmosphere, which in programming terms translates to rendering styled content! Let’s explore how you can employ this tool effectively.

Rendering HTML with Termwind

To render HTML content in the terminal, you can use the `render` function. Here’s a simple example:

use function Termwind\render;

// Single-line HTML
render('
Termwind
'); // Multi-line HTML render('HTML
Termwind
Give your CLI apps a unique look
HTML');

Adding Custom Styles

The `style()` function lets you create custom styles layering on top of the default ones. Let’s customize some styles for a button:

use function Termwind\style;

style('green-300')-color('#bada55');
style('btn')-apply('p-4 bg-green-300 text-white');

render('
Click me
');

Asking for User Input

With Termwind, you can interact with users seamlessly. The `ask()` function acts like a friendly assistant, prompting the user for input:

use function Termwind\ask;

$answer = ask('What is your name?'); // Prompts the user and captures their input

Terminal Functions

The `terminal()` function returns an instance of the Terminal class, which allows you to query the terminal’s dimensions and even clear its content:

$terminal = terminal();
$width = $terminal->width(); // Get width of terminal
$height = $terminal->height(); // Get height of terminal
$terminal->clear(); // Clear the terminal screen

Common Classes Supported

Like Tailwind CSS, you can use various supported classes to style your output. Here’s how they correspond:

  • Background Color: bg-color-variant
  • Text Color: text-color-variant
  • Font Weight: font-bold, font-normal
  • Text Alignment: text-left, text-center, text-right
  • Margin and Padding: m-margin, p-padding

Troubleshooting Tips

If you run into any issues while working with Termwind, here are some troubleshooting ideas:

  • Ensure that you have PHP 8.0 or higher installed.
  • Double-check your Composer installation; you may try reinstalling Termwind if issues persist.
  • Consult the logs to see if any specific errors are thrown during execution.

For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.

Advanced Features and Responsive Design

Termwind also adopts the responsive design features from Tailwind CSS. This means you can easily adjust styles based on terminal size! Here’s an illustration:

render('HTML
If bg is blue on small and red on larger terminals.
HTML');

Conclusion

With Termwind, your PHP CLI applications can shine with aesthetic appeal without sacrificing functionality. So gear up and start giving your terminal applications the style overhaul they deserve!

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

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