Install
# Usually part of util-linux # RHEL / Alma / Rocky sudo dnf install util-linux # Debian / Ubuntu sudo apt install util-linux # openSUSE sudo zypper install util-linux # Arch sudo pacman -S util-linux
What it does
scriptreplay replays a terminal session that was recorded
with the script command using a timing file. It reproduces
the output at approximately the same speed as the original session.
How it works (mechanical)
- Reads a timing file created with
script -t. - Reads the corresponding session log file.
- Replays output with original timing intervals.
- Does not re-execute commands — only replays recorded output.
- Speed can be adjusted with scaling options.
Quick Start
# Record a session with timing script -t timing.log session.log # Replay it scriptreplay timing.log session.log
10 Practical Examples
# 1) Basic replay scriptreplay timing.log session.log
# 2) Speed up replay (2x) scriptreplay -d 0.5 timing.log session.log
# 3) Slow down replay (half speed) scriptreplay -d 2 timing.log session.log
# 4) Record with timing in one step script -t timing.log demo.log
# 5) Replay for training demonstration scriptreplay timing.log demo.log
# 6) Inspect timing file less timing.log
# 7) Inspect session output file less demo.log
# 8) Combine with script for troubleshooting documentation script -t issue.time issue.log
# 9) Replay with different speed multiplier scriptreplay -m 2 timing.log session.log
# 10) Verify terminal type before recording echo $TERM
Notes & Gotchas
- Requires timing file created with
script -t. - Does not simulate user input — only output timing.
- Control characters are replayed as recorded.
- Terminal size differences may affect display.
- Useful for training, demos, and troubleshooting reproduction.
Historical Context
scriptreplay was introduced to complement script,
allowing administrators and trainers to replay sessions realistically
before screen recording tools became common.
Modern Equivalent
While graphical screen recording tools exist, scriptreplay remains lightweight and text-focused. It is especially useful in SSH-only or server environments without graphical interfaces.
Related Commands
- script — record terminal sessions.
- tty — show current terminal device.
- less — inspect recorded output files.
- history — show shell command history.
- tee — duplicate output to file and screen.