Description:

Objectives:

The talk aspires to demystify TUI (Terminal User Interface) applications and the development of TUI applications. It aims to inspire attendees to choose TUIs, both as users and developers.

Introduction:

This presentation is enriched with practical demonstrations that illustrate how modern TUI applications are evolving to become more user-friendly.

We delve into the intricacies of crafting user experiences within the terminal, drawing parallels between familiar UX features and their terminal-based counterparts.

In the subsequent segment, we’ll dissect the anatomy of sophisticated TUI applications using Urwid widgets, complemented by instructive visual aids.

Outline:

Setting the Stage: The World of TUIs

This section explores the question, "Why choose TUIs?" by examining both user and developer viewpoints.

We begin by examining the definition of TUIs and highlighting their significance.

To contextualize their role, comparisons are drawn with other client interfaces such as web apps and GUIs.

Unveiling the Power of TUIs

The speaker then delves into the advantages and disadvantages of TUIs from a user’s perspective, emphasizing specific use cases where TUIs excel.

After covering the unique advantages of TUIs, the focus shifts to addressing how to overcome the cons that are the main reasons for the relatively low TUI user engagement.

Crafting Terminal Experiences: The Art of UX in Modern TUIs

Shifting to the developer’s perspective, the speaker showcases some intriguing features achievable with TUIs.

From responsive UI designs to customization through themes, the creative possibilities are demonstrated.

However, the inherent limitations of TUIs are also addressed, ensuring a balanced discussion.

Commanding the Terminal: Improving UX of Hotkeys

This section presents a demonstration of several features that enable TUIs to streamline the hotkey experience, and ease the learning curve of new users.

The talk covers demonstrations of multiple types of help menus, UI design with a focus on easy hotkey usage, in-app tutorials, the ability to customize hotkeys by remapping them, creation of workflow shortcuts and temporary alteration of their behavior.

The concept of “help hints” is introduced and explored in depth. The speaker delves into their design, in increasing levels of complexity - cycling, dynamical generation, context-specificity, assigned priority levels, and incorporation of frequency of usage.

Behind the Scenes: Developing TUIs with Python

This section begins with an introduction to popular TUI tools for Python, such as Urwid and Rich/Textual.

The presenter then guides the audience through a graphical visualization of breaking down a TUI app into Urwid widgets and a simulation of the flow of interactions between them.

Finally, the focus shifts to a broader perspective, addressing the pros and cons of being a TUI app developer.

Wrapping Up: Embracing the TUI Lifestyle

This section recaps the key points from the presentation, aiming to inspire attendees to integrate TUIs into their daily computing tasks, as a viable and efficient interface option.

Furthermore, it encourages them to contribute to the world of TUI applications or perhaps developing TUIs for their own software products, armed with the newfound insights into TUI applications and their UX design.

Conclusion:

The ultimate goal is for attendees to leave with a sense of excitement and a newfound desire to explore the world of TUI apps.

Prerequisites:

• All one needs to bring is curiosity.
• NO prerequisite knowledge required regarding TUI/CLI or UI/UX.
• Familiarity with UI widgets in general can help.

Video URL:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HG5Lx-CVtlb-mhsZd4Jk2M6PuVOWroD5/view?usp=sharing

Content URLs:

Urwid Library Docs

Urwid Repository

Textual Docs

Textual Repository

Zulip's Terminal Client

A collection of some TUI apps

Another collection

Speaker Info:

Niloth from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani,

has been working on Zulip’s Terminal client, as part of his Google Summer of Code project.

He is enthusiastic to share his learnings and experiences, and spread the word about TUIs,

so that others can experience the joy of using and developing TUI applications as well.