---
name: "curs_extend"
section: "3x"
platform: "macos"
package: "ncurses"
version: "79"
release: "macOS 26.5"
platforms: ["linux", "macos"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/curs_extend/3x"
---

# curs\_extend(3x)

miscellaneous curses extensions

## NAME

**curses\_version**, **use\_extended\_names** - miscellaneous curses extensions

## SYNOPSIS

**#include \<curses.h\>**

**const char \* curses\_version(void);**\
 **int use\_extended\_names(bool enable);**

## DESCRIPTION

These functions are extensions to the curses library which do not fit easily into other categories.

Use *curses\_version()* to get the version number, including patch level of the library, e.g., **5.0.19991023**

The *use\_extended\_names()* function controls whether the calling application is able to use user-defined or nonstandard names which may be compiled into the terminfo description, i.e., via the terminfo or termcap interfaces. Normally these names are available for use, since the essential decision is made by using the **-x** option of **@TIC@** to compile extended terminal definitions. However you can disable this feature to ensure compatibility with other implementations of curses.

## PORTABILITY

These routines are specific to ncurses.  They were not supported on Version 7, BSD or System V implementations.  It is recommended that any code depending on them be conditioned using NCURSES\_VERSION.

## SEE ALSO

**curs\_getch**(3X), **curs\_mouse**(3X), **curs\_print**(3X), **curs\_util**(3X), **default\_colors**(3X), **define\_key**(3X), **keybound**(3X), **keyok**(3X), **resizeterm**(3X), **wresize**(3X).

## AUTHOR

Thomas Dickey.