# What is TUI?

> Text User Interface

On-screen interface driven only by text and characters instead of graphical elements.

## Overview
It is an interface that works with keyboard commands and text-based menus, rather than visual buttons or windows. It consumes very little computer resources and generally runs on terminal screens.

*Analogy: It's like interacting only with text, like a digitized version of old typewriters, rather than the color screen of a modern smartphone.*

## How it works
Using specific key combinations on the terminal, the user navigates through menus and enters commands as text.

## Where it is used
It is common in server administration, software development tools, and low-end devices.

## Commonly confused with
Can be confused with CLI; CLI is just the command line, while TUI creates a visual layout on that line.

## Frequently asked questions
**Why use TUI instead of graphical interface?**
It is much faster and does not require heavy resources such as a graphics card.

**Is it difficult to learn?**
It's necessary to memorize keyboard shortcuts in the beginning, but it's much more efficient as you get used to it.


## Related terms
- [CLI](/en/dictionary/cli/)
- [Terminal](/en/dictionary/terminal/)
- [Terminal Control](/en/dictionary/terminal-control/)

## Related tools
- [Witr](/en/discover/witr/)
- [Hister](/en/discover/hister/)

---
Source: TreScout Dictionary · https://trescout.com/en/dictionary/tui/