prompt-toolkit / prompt-toolkit/python-prompt-toolkit

Arrow keys not working in windows 'Terminal'

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Dominant language
Python
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Description

This script:

from prompt_toolkit.shortcuts import radiolist_dialog

radiolist_dialog(
    values=[(i, str(i)) for i in range(5)],
).run()

Runs well in a WSL session running in the 'Windows console Host' terminal. However the same program running in the 'Windows Terminal' terminal does not accept arrow key inputs. The mouse does work in both environments, as does the tab key and normal typing.

You can choose which terminal WSL opens with by searching 'Terminal' in your settings and overriding 'Let windows decide'.

running showkey and pressing arrow buttons gives me identical results for both environments, so I'm not sure what is causing this:

> showkey
^[[A^[[C^[[D^[[B

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First steps

  1. Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
  2. Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

Start with the provided radiolist_dialog reproduction in WSL under Windows Terminal and Windows Console Host, then compare the arrow-key sequences reported by showkey in each environment. The issue is done when the radiolist dialog accepts arrow-key navigation in Windows Terminal without regressing the working terminal behavior.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
python
Domain
cli, operating-systems
Issue type
Bug
Difficulty
3/5
Estimated time
1-2 days
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
35/100

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