@joyanhui/pi-ext-bar-cursor

Pi coding agent extension — replaces the default block cursor with a vertical bar using the terminal's native hardware cursor shape (DECSCUSR)

Package details

extension

Install @joyanhui/pi-ext-bar-cursor from npm and Pi will load the resources declared by the package manifest.

$ pi install npm:@joyanhui/pi-ext-bar-cursor

Pi manifest JSON

{
  "extensions": [
    "./bar-cursor.ts"
  ]
}

Pi packages can execute code and influence agent behavior. Review the source before installing third-party packages.

A pi extension that replaces the default block (reverse-video) cursor with a vertical bar using the terminal's native hardware cursor shape.

Vertical bar cursor — uses DECSCUSR (\x1b[6 q) to tell the terminal to show a steady vertical bar
Block cursor removal — strips pi's fake block cursor (reverse-video \x1b[7m) so the hardware bar cursor is visible
Zero text shift — cursor width is preserved exactly, no crashes or text movement
IME compatible — preserves CURSOR_MARKER for IME candidate-window placement

pi install npm:@joyanhui/pi-ext-bar-cursor

Or for a single session:

pi -e npm:@joyanhui/pi-ext-bar-cursor

Once installed, the extension activates automatically on every session start. No commands or shortcuts needed.

If you're not using a terminal emulator that supports DECSCUSR (the \x1b[6 q sequence), you may need to check your terminal's cursor shape support.

On session_start, sends \x1b[6 q (DECSCUSR) to set a steady vertical bar cursor
Overrides pi's editor component to strip the reverse-video block cursor from each rendered line
The hardware bar cursor shows through unobstructed

MIT