How can output be directed to specific coordinates in the linux terminal?

Question

To be more specific, I am looking for an equivalent to the Windows API function: WriteConsoleOutputCharacter. I know this style of direct output is possible, as I have seen the behaviour used before in the time that I have used Linux. However, I am still a baby when it comes to Linux specific C libraries, and have not been able to ascertain any clues as to where I may find such functionality. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Check out ncurses library.

It allows you to create some text-based UI in terminal. It is more than you asked, but if you need more than only this one function it may be best option for you.

Answer 2

You can use the ANSI control sequence

Say, following will print 'ddd' string 3 lines above the prompt in bash

echo -e "\e[3Addd"

Answer 3

这条线将时钟放在终端的右上方（来自commandlinefu.com）

while sleep 1;do tput sc;tput cup 0 $(($(tput cols)-29));date;tput rc;done