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Systemd context (OSC 3008)

Category: extensions · Tags: Operating System Commands (OSC) · Specification ↗

ESC ] 3008 ; params BEL
OSC 3008 is the systemd/UAPI group context signaling protocol for hierarchical session tracking. The sequence ESC ] 3008 ; params BEL communicates context changes — when a shell enters a container, SSH session, sudo context, or virtual machine. The terminal can display this context hierarchy (e.g., in the title bar or tab) so users always know where their commands execute. Parameters use a key-value format to convey the context type, label, and nesting depth. Defined by the UAPI group (systemd ecosystem), currently supported by VTE-based terminals (GNOME Terminal, Prompt, kgx).
How this is tested: Send OSC 3008 ; type=test BEL and verify the terminal consumes the context sequence (cursor position unchanged).
Analysis2026-04-06

Supported by all 3 tested terminals — universal adoption. Part of the Rich TUI baseline.

Supported by 5 of 14 backends (36%)

Terminal Applications

TerminalVersionSupportNotes
iTerm23.6.9✓ yes
Ghostty1.3.1✓ yes
Kitty0.46.2✓ yes
VS Code1.113.0? unknown
Warp0.2026.03.18.08.24.03? unknown
Cursor2.6.21? unknown
Terminal.app2.15? unknown

Headless Backends

Parser correctness only — a means the parser accepts the sequence.

BackendVersionSupportNotes
Alacritty0.26.0? unknown
vt100.js0.2.1? unknown
vterm0.2.0? unknown
WezTerm0.1.0-fork.5? unknown
xterm.js5.5.0? unknown