empty ☆
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Description:
Lightweight Expect-like PTY tool for shell scripts
Type: Formula  |  Latest Version: 0.6.23d@0  |  Tracked Since: Dec 17, 2025
Links: Homepage  |  formulae.brew.sh
Category: Developer tools
Tags: automation pty shell-scripting expect terminal cli
Install: brew install empty
About:
Empty is a lightweight PTY (pseudo-terminal) automation tool similar to Expect, designed for controlling interactive programs within shell scripts. It establishes a pty link between a command and stdin/stdout, enabling automated input responses and output processing. This makes it ideal for scripting tasks that require handling interactive prompts, passwords, or terminal-based applications.
Key Features:
  • Lightweight and fast execution
  • Simple shell-based syntax
  • No Tcl dependency unlike Expect
  • Handles interactive prompts and passwords securely
Use Cases:
  • Automating SSH sessions with password authentication
  • Scripting interactive command-line tools
  • Testing console applications programmatically
  • Automating file transfer protocols with prompts
Alternatives:
  • expect – More powerful but requires Tcl; empty is lighter and uses simpler syntax
  • sshpass – SSH-specific automation tool; empty is more general-purpose for any interactive program
License: BSD-3-Clause
Bottles available for: arm64_tahoe, arm64_sequoia, arm64_sonoma, arm64_ventura, sonoma, ventura, arm64_linux, x86_64_linux
Version History
Detected Version Rev Change Commit
Sep 13, 2025 1:53pm 0 VERSION_BUMP 7bedaf5e
Sep 13, 2024 1:49am 0 VERSION_BUMP 65c5aa60
Jan 10, 2023 3:05pm 0 VERSION_BUMP c57464de
Jan 10, 2023 3:05pm 0 VERSION_BUMP 649d9bf4
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