meta

The meta routine is used to control the number of bits returned on input.

Syntax

   #include <curses.h>



   int meta(WINDOW *win, bool bf);

Parameters

bf: A Boolean expression.
win: An ignored parameter.

Return Values

OK: Successful completion.
ERR: An error occurred. The terminal or system cannot handle 8-bit character codes.

Description

Whether a terminal returns 7 or 8 significant bits initially depends on the control mode of the terminal driver. The meta() routine forces the number of bits to be returned by getch() to be 7 (if bf is FALSE) or 8 (if bf is TRUE).




	NOTE: If the program handling the data can pass only 7-bit characters or strips the 8th bit, 8 bits cannot be handled.

If the terminfo capabilities smm (meta_on) and rmm (meta_off) are defined for the terminal, smm is sent to the terminal when meta(win, TRUE) is called, and rmm is sent when meta(win, FALSE) is called.

This routine is useful when extending the nontext command set in applications where the META key is used.




	NOTE: The `meta()` routine is provided for compatability with older `CURSES` packages. The MPE/iX `CURSES` package handles 16-bit characters, therefore making this function unnecessary.

Implementation Considerations

HP-UX and UNIX System V implementations

Portability

HP-UX, UNIX System V