title: Intermediate command-line interfaces
body: <p>I've been working with C for a while and am reasonably proficient at simple command-line interfaces. I've also had a play with the <code>curses</code> library, for terminal applications that do more than write text to <code>stdout</code>. However, I can't figure out where the half-way point is - applications like <code>wget</code> or <code>make</code> have, for example, the ability to update the text they have output (like <code>wget</code>'s bouncing download meter and progress bar), without taking over the entire screen.</p>
  
  <p>Is this sort of interface something I should be using <code>curses</code> for, or is there a step in between? Preferably one that is cross-platform.</p>