VT100

VT100

The VT100 is a widely recognized computer terminal introduced by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) in August 1978. It was one of the first terminals to support ANSI escape codes for cursor control and formatting, making it a significant advancement in the field of computer terminals.

History

The VT100 was developed as a successor to the popular VT52 terminal. It featured a larger screen, improved graphics capabilities, and enhanced functionality. The terminal quickly gained popularity and became a standard in the industry.

Features

The VT100 had a 12-inch screen and supported a resolution of 80 columns by 24 rows. It featured a keyboard with function keys and a numeric keypad, providing users with a versatile input interface. The terminal also had a built-in speaker for audio feedback.

One of the key features of the VT100 was its support for ANSI escape codes. These codes allowed users to control the cursor position, change text attributes (such as color and intensity), and perform other formatting operations. This made the VT100 highly customizable and adaptable to various applications.

Impact

The VT100 had a significant impact on the computer industry. Its support for ANSI escape codes set a standard for terminal emulation, which is still widely used today. The terminal's popularity also led to the development of numerous software applications and utilities specifically designed for the VT100.

Legacy

Although the VT100 is no longer in production, its influence can still be seen in modern computer terminals and terminal emulators. Many of the escape codes and formatting conventions introduced by the VT100 are still supported by modern systems, ensuring compatibility with legacy applications.

See Also

• Digital Equipment Corporation - The company that developed the VT100.
• ANSI escape code - The standard used by the VT100 for cursor control and formatting.
• Terminal emulator - Software that emulates the functionality of a computer terminal.