i3: cmatrix as "screensaver"

Screenshot

Requirements

Linux :-)
i3
cmatrix
xterm/(u)rxvt
vi (for setup)

cmatrix(1), a scrolling "Matrix" screen runnable in a terminal (implemented in
C and ncurses), can easily be adapted to be invoked from your i3 session.

Instructions

In order to do this, add following snippet (where xterm/rxvt/urxvt can be used
interchangeably) to your i3 configuration file (usually, located at either
~/.i3/config or ~/.config/i3/config):


          # screensaver

          for_window [title="^i3_cmatrix_screensaver$"] fullscreen enable

          bindsym Control+$m+s exec xterm -title i3_cmatrix_screensaver -e cmatrix

$m stands for the floating modifier variable which can be set as follows:


          # set floating modifier variable

          set $m Mod1

If your terminal colors don't match or your terminal has a scrollbar, you might
ought to tweak your ~/.Xdefaults file by adding following:


          xterm*background:black

          xterm*scrollBar:false

Again, xterm/rxvt/urxvt can be used interchangeably.

Then, logout ($m+Shift+e) and in again, or reload your configuration file ($m+Shift+c)
to activate the setting.

Launch cmatrix in fullscreen mode by pressing Control+$m+s (as configured earlier)
and watch the glyphs flow!

Afterword

(And if you get bored with it or if your boss is approaching your desk,
exit (quickly) with 'q').

Author

Steven Schubiger <stsc@refcnt.org>