Unprinting Text in Python: Clearing and Overwriting Output

1. Using \r (Carriage Return)

This moves the cursor to the start of the line, allowing you to overwrite previous output.

import time

for i in range(5, 0, -1):
    print(f"\rCountdown: {i}  ", end="", flush=True)
    time.sleep(1)
print("\rDone!       ")  
        

Done!         
        

2. Using ANSI Escape Sequences

Works well in terminals that support ANSI codes.

import time
print("Line 1")
print("Line 2")
time.sleep(1)
print("\033[F\033[K", end="") 
        

Line 1
Line 2
        

3. Using curses (For Full Terminal Control)

Best for advanced applications like terminal-based UIs.

import curses

def main(stdscr):
    stdscr.addstr(0, 0, "Hello, World!")
    stdscr.refresh()
    stdscr.getch()  # Wait for key press
    stdscr.clear()  # Clears the screen
    stdscr.refresh()
    stdscr.getch()

curses.wrapper(main)
        

4. Using os.system("cls" or "clear")

Clears the entire terminal screen.

import os
import time

print("This will be cleared in 2 seconds...")
time.sleep(2)
os.system("cls" if os.name == "nt" else "clear")
        

This will be cleared in 2 seconds...