“jcal” is a command-line utility designed to display calendar information in the Jalali format. The Jalali calendar, also known as the Persian calendar, is a solar calendar widely used in Iran and Afghanistan. It is based on astronomical observations and calculations, with its origin dating back to the 11th century.
Here’s a more detailed explanation of its functionalities:
- Calendar Display: The main purpose of “jcal” is to present calendar information in the Jalali format. This includes displaying the days, weeks, and months of the Jalali calendar, as well as highlighting the current day.
- Jalali Format: The Jalali calendar follows a different system than the Gregorian calendar, which is commonly used in Western countries. It consists of 12 months, each with varying numbers of days, and observes leap years to keep the calendar in sync with the solar year. “jcal” takes into account these nuances and accurately displays dates according to the Jalali calendar system.
- Current Day Highlighting: “jcal” provides a feature to highlight the current day within the displayed calendar. This makes it easy for users to quickly identify the present date and plan accordingly.
Customization Options: Users have the option to customize the output of “jcal” according to their preferences. This may include specifying a particular month or year to display, adjusting the formatting of the calendar, or choosing different highlighting styles for the current day. - Integration with Scripts: “jcal” can be integrated into shell scripts or command-line workflows to automate tasks or display calendar information as part of a larger operation. This makes it a valuable tool for scripting and automation purposes, particularly in environments where the Jalali calendar is used.
- Open Source: “jcal” is an open-source project, typically distributed under free software licenses. This allows users to access the source code, contribute improvements or fixes, and customize the tool to suit their specific needs.
jcal Command Examples
1. Display a calendar for the current month:
# jcal
2. Display the previous, current, and next months:
# jcal -3
3. Display a calendar for a specific year (4 digits):
# jcal [year]
4. Display a calendar for a specific month and year:
# jcal [year] [month]
Summary
In summary, “jcal” is a command-line utility that provides users with the ability to view calendar information in the Jalali format. It offers features such as highlighting the current day, customization options, and integration with scripts, making it a valuable tool for users who follow the Jalali calendar system.