Linux users typically interact with the operating system through two primary methods: the command-line interface (CLI) and the graphical user interface (GUI). However, there is a lesser-known third method, referred to as the text user interface (TUI), which has not gained significant popularity. The TUI provides a visual interface without the resource demands of systems like Wayland or X11. It operates within a CLI session, offering a more approachable experience than the command line while conserving system memory. Common examples of TUI applications include htop, Midnight Commander, and various Linux distribution installers.
The article suggests that the TUI could be developed into a primary user experience for Unix-like operating systems by 2026. The current trend of rising RAM prices and the push for application optimization have led users to reconsider the value of older computing methods. Despite the existence of GUI-based desktop environments that have been around for decades, there has been a lack of notable TUI-based equivalents. This gap may stem from the perception that TUI is obsolete, leading to a generational divide in its usage.
While tiling window managers like i3 or sway offer some functionality similar to TUI, they still rely on graphical components. The article acknowledges that TUI has limitations, particularly in areas like audio/visual editing and modern web browsing, but suggests that it could still be viable for certain applications. The concept of a unified TUI environment is proposed, which would integrate existing TUI tools and encourage further development in this area. The author expresses optimism about the potential for TUI to evolve independently, without simply becoming another GUI.