Synchronous [Readline](http://nodejs.org/api/readline.html) for interactively running to have a conversation with the user via a console(TTY).
readlineSync tries to let your script have a conversation with the user via a console, even when the input/output stream is redirected like `your-script <foo.dat >bar.log`.
<aname="quick_start-b"></a>**(B) What does your script do?**
-[Receive a parsed command-name and arguments](#utility_methods-promptcl)
-[Receive an input repeatedly](#utility_methods-promptloop)
-[Receive a parsed command-name and arguments repeatedly](#utility_methods-promptclloop)
-[Receive an input with prompt that is similar to that of the user's shell](#utility_methods-promptsimshell)
-[Others](#basic_methods-prompt)
<aname="quick_start-c"></a>**(C) What does the user do?**
-[Say "Yes" or "No"](#utility_methods-keyinyn)
-[Say "Yes" or "No" explicitly](#utility_methods-keyinynstrict)
-[Make the running of script continue when ready](#utility_methods-keyinpause)
-[Choose an item from a list](#utility_methods-keyinselect)
-[Others](#basic_methods-keyin)
## <a name="basic_methods"></a>Basic Methods
These are used to control details of the behavior. It is recommended to use the [Utility Methods](#utility_methods) instead of Basic Methods if it satisfy your request.
Display a `query` to the user if it's specified, and then return the input from the user after it has been typed and the Enter key was pressed.
You can specify an `options` (see [Basic Options](#basic_options)) to control the behavior (e.g. refusing unexpected input, avoiding trimming white spaces, etc.). **If you let the user input the secret text (e.g. password), you should consider [`hideEchoBack`](#basic_options-hideechoback) option.**
The `query` may be string, or may not be (e.g. number, Date, Object, etc.). It is converted to string (i.e. `toString` method is called) before it is displayed. (see [Note](#note) also)
It can include the [placeholders](#placeholders).
For example:
```js
program=readlineSync.question('Which program starts do you want? ',{
defaultInput:'firefox'
});
```
### <a name="basic_methods-prompt"></a>`prompt`
```js
input=readlineSync.prompt([options])
```
Display a prompt-sign (see [`prompt`](#basic_options-prompt) option) to the user, and then return the input from the user after it has been typed and the Enter key was pressed.
You can specify an `options` (see [Basic Options](#basic_options)) to control the behavior (e.g. refusing unexpected input, avoiding trimming white spaces, etc.).
For example:
```js
while(true){
command=readlineSync.prompt();
// Do something...
}
```
### <a name="basic_methods-keyin"></a>`keyIn`
```js
pressedKey=readlineSync.keyIn([query[,options]])
```
Display a `query` to the user if it's specified, and then return a character as a key immediately it was pressed by the user, **without pressing the Enter key**. Note that the user has no chance to change the input.
You can specify an `options` (see [Basic Options](#basic_options)) to control the behavior (e.g. ignoring keys except some keys, checking target key, etc.).
The `query` is handled the same as that of the [`question`](#basic_methods-question) method.
An `options` Object can be specified to the methods to control the behavior of readlineSync. The options that were not specified to the methods are got from the Default Options. You can change the Default Options by [`setDefaultOptions`](#basic_methods-setdefaultoptions) method anytime, and it is kept until a current process is exited.
Specify the options that are often used to the Default Options, and specify temporary options to the methods.
a5=readlineSync.question('Beef or Chicken? ');// Input is limited to new 2 things.
a6=readlineSync.question('And you? ');// It's limited to 2 things yet.
```
The Object as `options` can have following properties.
### <a name="basic_options-prompt"></a>`prompt`
_For `prompt*` methods only_
*Type:* string or others
*Default:*`'> '`
Set the prompt-sign that is displayed to the user by `prompt*` methods. For example you see `> ` that is Node.js's prompt-sign when you run `node` on the command line.
This may be string, or may not be (e.g. number, Date, Object, etc.). It is converted to string every time (i.e. `toString` method is called) before it is displayed. (see [Note](#note) also)
It can include the [placeholders](#placeholders).
For example:
```js
readlineSync.setDefaultOptions({prompt:'$ '});
```
```js
// Display the memory usage always.
readlineSync.setDefaultOptions({
prompt:{// Simple Object that has toString method.
If `true` is specified, hide the secret text (e.g. password) which is typed by user on screen by the mask characters (see [`mask`](#basic_options-mask) option).
Set the mask characters that are shown instead of the secret text (e.g. password) when `true` is specified to [`hideEchoBack`](#basic_options-hideechoback) option. If you want to show nothing, specify `''`. (But it might be not user friendly in some cases.)
*Note:* In some cases (e.g. when the input stream is redirected on Windows XP), `'*'` or `''` might be used whether other one is specified.
#### <a name="basic_options-limit-for_question_and_prompt_methods"></a>For `question*` and `prompt*` methods
*Type:* string, number, RegExp, function or Array
*Default:*`[]`
Accept only the input that matches value that is specified to this. If the user input others, display a string that is specified to [`limitMessage`](#basic_options-limitmessage) option, and wait for reinput.
* The string is compared with the input. It is affected by [`caseSensitive`](#basic_options-casesensitive) option.
* The number is compared with the input that is converted to number by `parseFloat()`. For example, it interprets `' 3.14 '`, `'003.1400'`, `'314e-2'` and `'3.14PI'` as `3.14`. And it interprets `'005'`, `'5files'`, `'5kb'` and `'5px'` as `5`.
* The RegExp tests the input.
* The function that returns a boolean to indicate whether it matches is called with the input.
One of above or an Array that includes multiple things (or Array includes Array) can be specified.
Accept only the key that matches value that is specified to this, ignore others.
Specify the characters as the key. All strings or Array of those are decomposed into single characters. For example, `'abcde'` or `['a', 'bc', ['d', 'e']]` are the same as `['a', 'b', 'c', 'd', 'e']`.
These strings are compared with the input. It is affected by [`caseSensitive`](#basic_options-casesensitive) option.
The [placeholders](#placeholders) like `'$<a-e>'` are replaced to an Array that is the character list like `['a', 'b', 'c', 'd', 'e']`.
For example:
```js
direction=readlineSync.keyIn('Left or Right? ',{limit:'lr'});// 'l' or 'r'
```
```js
dice=readlineSync.keyIn('Roll the dice, What will the result be? ',
If the input matches `trueValue`, return `true`. If the input matches `falseValue`, return `false`. In any other case, return the input.
* The string is compared with the input. It is affected by [`caseSensitive`](#basic_options-casesensitive) option.
* The number is compared with the input that is converted to number by `parseFloat()`. For example, it interprets `' 3.14 '`, `'003.1400'`, `'314e-2'` and `'3.14PI'` as `3.14`. And it interprets `'005'`, `'5files'`, `'5kb'` and `'5px'` as `5`. Note that in `keyIn*` method, the input is every time one character (i.e. the number that is specified must be an integer within the range of `0` to `9`).
* The RegExp tests the input.
* The function that returns a boolean to indicate whether it matches is called with the input.
One of above or an Array that includes multiple things (or Array includes Array) can be specified.
For example:
```js
answer=readlineSync.question('How do you like it? ',{
trueValue:['yes','yeah','yep'],
falseValue:['no','nah','nope']
});
if(answer===true){
console.log('Let\'s go!');
}elseif(answer===false){
console.log('Oh... It\'s ok...');
}else{
console.log('Sorry. What does "'+answer+'" you said mean?');
By default, the string comparisons are case-insensitive (i.e. `a` equals `A`). If `true` is specified, it is case-sensitive, the cases are not ignored (i.e. `a` is different from `A`).
It affects: [`limit`](#basic_options-limit), [`trueValue`](#basic_options-truevalue_falsevalue), [`falseValue`](#basic_options-truevalue_falsevalue), some [placeholders](#placeholders), and some [Utility Methods](#utility_methods).
When readlineSync reads from a console directly (without [external program](#note-reading_by_external_program)), use a size `bufferSize` buffer.
Even if the input by user exceeds it, it's usually no problem, because the buffer is used repeatedly. But some platforms's (e.g. Windows) console might not accept input that exceeds it. And set an enough size.
Note that this might be limited by [version of Node.js](https://nodejs.org/api/buffer.html#buffer_class_method_buffer_alloc_size_fill_encoding) and environment running your script (Big buffer size is usually not required). (See also: [issue](https://github.com/nodejs/node/issues/4660), [PR](https://github.com/nodejs/node/pull/4682))
### <a name="basic_options-print"></a>`print`
*Type:* function or `undefined`
*Default:*`undefined`
Call the specified function with every output. The function is given two arguments, `display` as an output text, and a value of [`encoding`](#basic_options-encoding) option.
For example:
* Pass the plain texts to the Logger (e.g. [log4js](https://github.com/nomiddlename/log4js-node)), after clean the colored texts.
* Output a conversation to a file when an output stream is redirected to record those into a file like `your-script >foo.log`. That is, a conversation isn't outputted to `foo.log` without this code.
```js
readlineSync.setDefaultOptions({
print:function(display,encoding)
{process.stdout.write(display,encoding);}
});
varname=readlineSync.question('May I have your name? ');
varloc=readlineSync.question('Hi '+name+'! Where do you live? ');
```
* Let somebody hear our conversation in real time.
It just uses a fifo with above sample code that was named `conv.js`.
Another terminal:
```shell
mkfifo /tmp/fifo
cat /tmp/fifo
```
My terminal:
```shell
node conv.js >/tmp/fifo
```
```console
May I have your name? Oz
Hi Oz! Where do you live? Emerald City
```
And then, another terminal shows this synchronously:
```console
May I have your name? Oz
Hi Oz! Where do you live? Emerald City
```
### <a name="basic_options-history"></a>`history`
_For `question*` and `prompt*` methods only_
*Type:* boolean
*Default:*`true`
readlineSync supports a history expansion feature that is similar to that of the shell. If `false` is specified, disable this feature.
*It keeps a previous input only.* That is, only `!!`, `!-1`, `!!:p` and `!-1:p` like bash or zsh etc. are supported.
*`!!` or `!-1`: Return a previous input.
*`!!:p` or `!-1:p`: Display a previous input but do not return it, and wait for reinput.
For example:
```js
while(true){
input=readlineSync.prompt();
console.log('-- You said "'+input+'"');
}
```
```console
> hello
-- You said "hello"
>!!
hello
-- You said "hello"
>!!:p
hello
> bye
-- You said "bye"
```
### <a name="basic_options-cd"></a>`cd`
_For `question*` and `prompt*` methods only_
*Type:* boolean
*Default:*`false`
readlineSync supports the changing the current working directory feature that is similar to the `cd` and `pwd` commands in the shell. If `true` is specified, enable this feature.
This helps the user when you let the user input the multiple local files or directories.
It supports `cd` and `pwd` commands.
*`cd <path>`: Change the current working directory to `<path>`. The `<path>` can include `~` as the home directory.
*`pwd`: Display the current working directory.
When these were input, do not return, and wait for reinput.
For example:
```js
while(true){
file=readlineSync.questionPath('File: ');
console.log('-- Specified file is '+file);
}
```
```console
File: cd foo-dir/bar-dir
File: pwd
/path/to/foo-dir/bar-dir
File: file-a.js
-- Specified file is /path/to/foo-dir/bar-dir/file-a.js
File: file-b.png
-- Specified file is /path/to/foo-dir/bar-dir/file-b.png
File: file-c.html
-- Specified file is /path/to/foo-dir/bar-dir/file-c.html
Display a `query` to the user if it's specified, and then accept only a valid e-mail address, and then return it after the Enter key was pressed.
The `query` is handled the same as that of the [`question`](#basic_methods-question) method.
The default value of `query` is `'Input e-mail address: '`.
*Note:* The valid e-mail address requirement is a willful violation of [RFC5322](http://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc5322), this is defined in [HTML5](http://www.w3.org/TR/html5/forms.html). This works enough to prevent the user mistaking. If you want to change it, specify [`limit`](#basic_options-limit) option.
Display a `query` to the user if it's specified, and then accept only a valid password, and then request same one again, and then return it after the Enter key was pressed.
It's the password, or something that is the secret text like the password.
You can specify the valid password requirement to the options.
The `query` is handled the same as that of the [`question`](#basic_methods-question) method.
The default value of `query` is `'Input new password: '`.
*Note:* Only the form of password is checked. Check it more if you want. For example, [zxcvbn](https://github.com/dropbox/zxcvbn) is password strength estimation library.
For example:
```js
password=readlineSync.questionNewPassword();
console.log('-- Password is '+password);
```
```console
Input new password: ************
It can include: 0...9, A...Z, a...z, !"#$%&'()*+,-./:;<=>?@[\]^_`{|}~
And the length must be: 12...24
Input new password: *************
Reinput a same one to confirm it: *************
It differs from first one. Hit only the Enter key if you want to retry from first one.
A string as the characters that can be included in the password. For example, if `'abc123'` is specified, the passwords that include any character other than these 6 characters are refused.
The [placeholders](#placeholders) like `'$<a-e>'` are replaced to the characters like `'abcde'`.
For example, let the user input a password that is created with alphabet and some symbols:
A current value of [`charlist`](#utility_methods-questionnewpassword-options-charlist) option that is converted to human readable if possible. (e.g. `'A...Z'`)
A current value of [`min` and `max`](#utility_methods-questionnewpassword-options-min_max) option that is converted to human readable. (e.g. `'12...24'`)
Display a `query` to the user if it's specified, and then accept only an input that can be interpreted as an integer, and then return the number (not string) after the Enter key was pressed.
This parses the input as much as possible by `parseInt()`. For example, it interprets `' 5 '`, `'5.6'`, `'005'`, `'5files'`, `'5kb'` and `'5px'` as `5`.
The `query` is handled the same as that of the [`question`](#basic_methods-question) method.
Display a `query` to the user if it's specified, and then accept only an input that can be interpreted as a floating-point number, and then return the number (not string) after the Enter key was pressed.
This parses the input as much as possible by `parseFloat()`. For example, it interprets `' 3.14 '`, `'003.1400'`, `'314e-2'` and `'3.14PI'` as `3.14`.
The `query` is handled the same as that of the [`question`](#basic_methods-question) method.
Display a `query` to the user if it's specified, and then accept only a valid local file or directory path, and then return an absolute path after the Enter key was pressed.
The `~` that is input by the user is replaced to the home directory.
You can specify the valid local file or directory path requirement to the options. And you can make it create a new file or directory when it doesn't exist.
It is recommended to use this method with the [`cd`](#basic_options-cd) option. (Default: `true`)
The `query` is handled the same as that of the [`question`](#basic_methods-question) method.
The default value of `query` is `'Input path (you can "cd" and "pwd"): '`.
And the following additional options are available.
*Note:* It does not check the coherency about a combination of the options as the path requirement. For example, the `{exists: false, isFile: true}` never check that it is a file because it is limited to the path that does not exist.
If `true` is specified, accept only a file or directory path that exists. If `false` is specified, accept only a file or directory path that does *not* exist.
If a function that returns `true` or an error message is specified, call it with a path that was input, and accept the input when the function returned `true`.
If the function returned a string as an error message, that message is got by the [`error`](#utility_methods-questionpath-additional_placeholders-error) additional [placeholder](#placeholders) parameter.
A path that was input is parsed before it is passed to the function. `~` is replaced to a home directory, and a path is converted to an absolute path.
This is also a return value from this method.
For example, accept only PNG file or tell it to the user:
If `true` is specified, create a file or directory as a path that was input when it doesn't exist. If `true` is specified to the [`isDirectory`](#utility_methods-questionpath-options-isfile_isdirectory) option, create a directory, otherwise a file.
It does not affect the existence check. Therefore, you can get a new file or directory path anytime by specifying: `{exists: false, create: true}`
Display a prompt-sign (see [`prompt`](#basic_options-prompt) option) to the user, and then consider the input as a command-line and parse it, and then return a result after the Enter key was pressed.
A return value is an Array that includes the tokens that were parsed. It parses the input from the user as the command-line, and it interprets whitespaces, quotes, etc., and it splits it to tokens properly. Usually, a first element of the Array is command-name, and remaining elements are arguments.
By using the `commandHandler` argument, this method will come into its own. Specifying the Object to this argument has the more merit. And it has the more merit for [`promptCLLoop`](#utility_methods-promptclloop) method.
If a function is specified to `commandHandler` argument, it is just called with a parsed Array as an argument list of the function. And `this` is an original input string, in the function.
For example, the following 2 codes work same except that `this` is enabled in the second one:
```js
argsArray=readlineSync.promptCL();
if(argsArray[0]==='add'){
console.log(argsArray[1]+' is added.');
}elseif(argsArray[0]==='copy'){
console.log(argsArray[1]+' is copied to '+argsArray[2]+'.');
console.log('You want to: '+this);// All of command-line.
if(command==='add'){
console.log(arg1+' is added.');
}elseif(command==='copy'){
console.log(arg1+' is copied to '+arg2+'.');
}
});
```
If an Object that has properties named as the command-name is specified, the command-name is interpreted, and a function as the value of matched property is called. A function is chosen properly by handling case of the command-name in accordance with the [`caseSensitive`](#basic_options-casesensitive) option.
The function is called with a parsed Array that excludes a command-name (i.e. first element is removed from the Array) as an argument list of the function.
That is, a structure of the `commandHandler` Object looks like:
```js
{
commandA:function(arg){...},// commandA requires one argument.
commandB:function(arg1,arg2){...},// readlineSync doesn't care those.
commandC:function(){...}// Of course, it can also ignore all.
}
```
readlineSync just receives the arguments from the user and passes those to these functions without checking. The functions may have to check whether the required argument was input by the user, and more validate those.
For example, the following code works same to the above code:
```js
readlineSync.promptCL({
add:function(element){// It's called by also "ADD", "Add", "aDd", etc..
console.log(element+' is added.');
},
copy:function(from,to){
console.log(from+' is copied to '+to+'.');
}
});
```
If the matched property is not found in the Object, a `_` property is chosen, and the function as the value of this property is called with a parsed Array as an argument list of the function. Note that this includes a command-name. That is, the function looks like `function(command, arg1, arg2, ...) { ... }`.
And if the Object doesn't have a `_` property, any command that the matched property is not found in the Object is refused.
For example:
```js
readlineSync.promptCL({
copy:function(from,to){// command-name is not included.
console.log(from+' is copied to '+to+'.');
},
_:function(command){// command-name is included.
console.log('Sorry, '+command+' is not available.');
Display a prompt-sign (see [`prompt`](#basic_options-prompt) option) to the user, and then call `inputHandler` function with the input from the user after it has been typed and the Enter key was pressed. Do these repeatedly until `inputHandler` function returns `true`.
Display a prompt-sign that is similar to that of the user's shell to the user, and then return the input from the user after it has been typed and the Enter key was pressed.
Display a `query` to the user if it's specified, and then return a boolean or an empty string immediately a key was pressed by the user, **without pressing the Enter key**. Note that the user has no chance to change the input.
This method works like the `window.confirm` method of web browsers. A return value means "Yes" or "No" the user said. It differ depending on the pressed key:
*`Y`: `true`
*`N`: `false`
* other: `''`
The `query` is handled the same as that of the [`question`](#basic_methods-question) method.
The default value of `query` is `'Are you sure? '`.
The keys other than `Y` and `N` are also accepted (If you want to know a user's wish explicitly, use [`keyInYNStrict`](#utility_methods-keyinynstrict) method). Therefore, if you let the user make an important decision (e.g. files are removed), check whether the return value is not *falsy*. That is, a default is "No".
For example:
```js
if(!readlineSync.keyInYN('Do you want to install this?')){
// Key that is not `Y` was pressed.
process.exit();
}
// Do something...
```
Or if you let the user stop something that must be done (e.g. something about the security), check whether the return value is `false` explicitly. That is, a default is "Yes".
Display a `query` to the user if it's specified, and then accept only `Y` or `N` key, and then return a boolean immediately it was pressed by the user, **without pressing the Enter key**. Note that the user has no chance to change the input.
This method works like the `window.confirm` method of web browsers. A return value means "Yes" or "No" the user said. It differ depending on the pressed key:
*`Y`: `true`
*`N`: `false`
The `query` is handled the same as that of the [`question`](#basic_methods-question) method.
The default value of `query` is `'Are you sure? '`.
A key other than `Y` and `N` is not accepted. That is, a return value has no default. Therefore, the user has to tell an own wish explicitly. If you want to know a user's wish easily, use [`keyInYN`](#utility_methods-keyinyn) method.
This method works same to [`keyInYN`](#utility_methods-keyinyn) method except that this accept only `Y` or `N` key (Therefore, a return value is boolean every time). The options also work same to [`keyInYN`](#utility_methods-keyinyn) method.
Display a `query` to the user if it's specified, and then just wait for a key to be pressed by the user.
This method works like the `window.alert` method of web browsers. This is used to make the running of script pause and show something to the user, or wait for the user to be ready.
By default, any key is accepted. You can change this behavior by specifying [`limit`](#basic_options-limit) option (e.g. accept only a Space Bar).
The `query` is handled the same as that of the [`question`](#basic_methods-question) method.
The default value of `query` is `'Continue...'`.
For example:
```js
// Have made the preparations for something...
console.log('==== Information of Your Computer ====');
Display the list that was created with the `items` Array, and the `query` to the user if it's specified, and then return the number as an index of the `items` Array immediately it was chosen by pressing a key by the user, **without pressing the Enter key**. Note that the user has no chance to change the input.
The `query` is handled the same as that of the [`question`](#basic_methods-question) method.
The default value of `query` is `'Choose one from list: '`.
The minimum length of `items` Array is 1 and maximum length is 35. These elements are displayed as item list. A key to let the user choose an item is assigned to each item automatically in sequence like "1, 2, 3 ... 9, A, B, C ...". A number as an index of the `items` Array that corresponds to a chosen item by the user is returned.
If `true` is specified, a string like `'[1...5]'` as guide for the user is added to `query`. And `':'` is moved to the end of `query`, or it is added. This is the key list that corresponds to the item list.
If a value other than `false` is specified, an item to let the user tell "cancel" is added to the item list. "[0] CANCEL" (default) is displayed, and if `0` key is pressed, `-1` is returned.
You can specify a label of this item other than `'CANCEL'`. A string such as `'Go back'` (empty string `''` also), something that is converted to string such as `Date`, a string that includes [placeholder](#placeholders) such as `'Next $<itemsCount> items'` are accepted.
The placeholders in the text are replaced to another string.
For example, the [`limitMessage`](#basic_options-limitmessage) option to display a warning message that means that the command the user requested is not available:
```js
command=readlineSync.prompt({
limit:['add','remove'],
limitMessage:'$<lastInput> is not available.'
});
```
```console
> delete
delete is not available.
```
The placeholders can be included in:
*`query` argument
*[`prompt`](#basic_options-prompt) and [`limitMessage`](#basic_options-limitmessage) options
*[`limit` option for `keyIn*` method](#basic_options-limit-for_keyin_method) and [`charlist`](#utility_methods-questionnewpassword-options-charlist) option for [`questionNewPassword`](#utility_methods-questionnewpassword) method ([`C1-C2`](#placeholders-parameters-c1_c2) parameter only)
* And some additional options for the [Utility Methods](#utility_methods).
### <a name="placeholders-syntax"></a>Syntax
```
$<parameter>
```
Or
```
$<(text1)parameter(text2)>
```
The placeholder is replaced to a string that is got by a `parameter`.
Both the `(text1)` and `(text2)` are optional.
A more added `'$'` at the left of the placeholder is used as an escape character, it disables a placeholder. For example, `'$$<foo>'` is replaced to `'$<foo>'`. If you want to put a `'$'` which is *not* an escape character at the left of a placeholder, specify it like `'$<($)bufferSize>'`, then it is replaced to `'$1024'`.
At the each position of `'(text1)'` and `'(text2)'`, `'text1'` and `'text2'` are put when a string that was got by a `parameter` has length more than 0. If that got string is `''`, a placeholder with or without `'(text1)'` and `'(text2)'` is replaced to `''`.
For example, a warning message that means that the command the user requested is not available:
```js
command=readlineSync.prompt({
limit:['add','remove'],
limitMessage:'Refused $<lastInput> you requested. Please input another.'
});
```
```console
> give-me-car
Refused give-me-car you requested. Please input another.
```
It looks like no problem.
But when the user input nothing (hit only the Enter key), and then a message is displayed:
```console
>
Refused you requested. Please input another.
```
This goes well:
```js
command=readlineSync.prompt({
limit:['add','remove'],
limitMessage:'Refused $<lastInput( you requested)>. Please input another.'
});
```
```console
>
Refused . Please input another.
```
(May be more better: `'$<(Refused )lastInput( you requested. )>Please input another.'`)
*Note:* The syntax `${parameter}` of older version is still supported, but this should not be used because it may be confused with template string syntax of ES6. And this will not be supported in due course of time.
It is converted to human readable if possible. The boolean value is replaced to `'on'` or `'off'`, and the Array is replaced to the list of only string and number elements.
And in the `keyIn*` method, the parts of the list as characters sequence are suppressed. For example, when `['a', 'b', 'c', 'd', 'e']` is specified to the [`limit`](#basic_options-limit) option, `'$<limit>'` is replaced to `'a...e'`. If `true` is specified to the [`caseSensitive`](#basic_options-casesensitive) option, the characters are converted to lower case.
For example:
```js
input=readlineSync.question(
'Input something or the Enter key as "$<defaultInput>": ',
A length of a current value of the [`limit`](#basic_options-limit) option.
When the value of the [`limit`](#basic_options-limit) option is empty, `'$<limitCount>'` is replaced to `'0'`, `'$<limitCountNotZero>'` is replaced to `''`.
For example:
```js
action=readlineSync.question(
'Choose action$<( from )limitCountNotZero( actions)>: ',
_For [`limit` option for `keyIn*` method](#basic_options-limit-for_keyin_method) and [`charlist`](#utility_methods-questionnewpassword-options-charlist) option for [`questionNewPassword`](#utility_methods-questionnewpassword) method only_
A character list.
`C1` and `C2` are each single character as the start and the end. A sequence in ascending or descending order of characters ranging from `C1` to `C2` is created. For example, `'$<a-e>'` is replaced to `'abcde'`. `'$<5-1>'` is replaced to `'54321'`.
For example, let the user input a password that is created with alphabet:
See also [`limit` option for `keyIn*` method](#basic_options-limit-for_keyin_method).
## Special method `getRawInput`
```js
rawInput=readlineSync.getRawInput()
```
Return a raw input data of last method.
When the input was terminated with no data, a `NULL` is inserted to the data.
This might contain control-codes (e.g. `LF`, `CR`, `EOF`, etc.), therefore, it might be used to get `^D` that was input. But you should understand each environments for that. Or, **you should not use this** if your script is used in multiple environments.
For example, when the user input `EOF` (`^D` in Unix like system, `^Z` in Windows), `x1A` (`EOF`) is returned in Windows, and `x00` (`NULL`) is returned in Unix like system. And `x04` (`EOT`) is returned in Unix like system with raw-mode. And also, when [external program](#note-reading_by_external_program) is used, nothing is returned. See also [Control characters](#note-control_characters).
You may examine each environment and you must test your script very much, if you want to handle the raw input data.
If you want to control a flow of the task runner (e.g. [Grunt](http://gruntjs.com/)), call readlineSync in a task callback that is called by the task runner. Then a flow of tasks is paused and it is controlled by the user.
For example, by using [grunt-task-helper](https://github.com/anseki/grunt-task-helper):
TTY interfaces are different by the platforms. In some environments, ANSI escape sequences might be ignored. For example, in non-POSIX TTY such as Windows CMD does not support it (that of Windows 8 especially has problems). Since readlineSync does not use Node.js library that emulates POSIX TTY (but that is still incomplete), those characters may be not parsed. Then, using ANSI escape sequences is not recommended if you will support more environments.
Also, control characters user input might be not accepted or parsed. That behavior differs depending on the environment. And current Node.js does not support controlling a readline system library.
### <a name="note-reading_by_external_program"></a>Reading by external program
readlineSync tries to read from a console by using the external program if it is needed (e.g. when the input stream is redirected on Windows XP). And if the running Node.js doesn't support the [Synchronous Process Execution](http://nodejs.org/api/child_process.html#child_process_synchronous_process_creation)(i.e. Node.js v0.10-), readlineSync uses "piping via files" for the synchronous execution.
As everyone knows, "piping via files" is no good. It blocks the event loop and a process. It might make the your script be slow.
Why did I choose it? :
* Good modules (native addon) for the synchronous execution exist, but node-gyp can't compile those in some platforms or Node.js versions.
* I think that the security is important more than the speed. Some modules have problem about security. Those don't protect the data. I think that the speed is not needed usually, because readlineSync is used while user types keys.
## <a name="deprecated_methods_and_options"></a>Deprecated methods and options
