Python: How to print on same line, clearing previous text?

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In Python you can print on the same line using \r to move back to the start of the line.

This works well for progress bars or increasing precentage counters, eg: Python print on same line

However when printing lines that may decrease in length, this leaves the previous lines text there, eg:

import sys
for t in ['long line', '%']:
    sys.stdout.write(t + '\r')
sys.stdout.write('\n')

Leaves the terminal text as: %ong line.

Whats the best way to write a shorter line after a longer one, when printing to the same line?

stdout python-3.x
3 Answers

If you have been printing without a newline character at the end of your print, you can flush your latest print with:

print('\r\033[K', end='')

If you previously printed with a new line, you can use the ANSI escape code to move up one line and to the beginning of the line with:

print('\033[F', end='')

You can then flush the line as before.

An example usage:

LINE_FLUSH = '\r\033[K'
UP_FRONT_LINE = '\033[F'
...
print(UP_FRONT_LINE + LINE_FLUSH + msg)
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