linux-fortune-cowsay-lolcat.md

Display a colourful quote on login

:::{#tags} Linux Bash Fortune Cowsay Lolcat :::

I saw a screenshot with lolcat somewhere which reminded me of my favourite UNIX program, cowsay. I set out to make the cow say something colourful on my login into my WSL Ubuntu.

Installation

Run the usual apt install for:

• fortune-mod
• cowsay
• lolcat

Configuration

Put the following at the end of .bashrc, because it's only run for interactive shells:

# print a friendly fortune on login
if [ -x /usr/games/fortune -a -x /usr/games/cowsay -a /usr/games/lolcat ]; then
    fortune | cowsay | lolcat
fi

Obviously, additional command line parameters can be set. I am happy with the default actions.

Further work

• TODO custom fortune database

—Oliver Frolovs, 2020