How to Implement C's `getchar()` Functionality for Single Character Input, Including Tab, in Go?

Get Character Input Similar to C's getchar() in Go

C's getchar() function allows users to input a single character from the console. However, in Go, there is no direct equivalent that handles tab presses. This can be challenging when developing console applications with auto-completion features.

Go Equivalent

A possible alternative in Go is to use bufio.Reader. Here's an example:

package main

import (
    "bufio"
    "fmt"
    "os"
)

func main() {

    reader := bufio.NewReader(os.Stdin)
    input, _ := reader.ReadString('\n')

    fmt.Printf("Input Char Is : %v", string([]byte(input)[0]))
}

Although bufio.Reader can read a single character, it requires the user to press enter to input the character. For detecting a tab press, this is not suitable.

Additional Considerations

For this specific need, C's getchar() is not appropriate as it waits for the user to press enter. Instead, alternative options include:

• Using ncurses/readline bindings (e.g., goncurses)
• Developing your own input handler
• Executing external commands (e.g., stty) using os.Exec

References:

• [Google Groups Discussion on getchar()](https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups=#!topic/golang-nuts/zhBE5MH4n-Q)
• [Using bufio.Reader](https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups=#!topic/golang-nuts/S9AO_kHktiY)
• [ReadLine Package](https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups=#!topic/golang-nuts/icMfYF8wJCk)

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