In the desktop world, we have the option to use the command line: a uniform interface for a multitude of apps that would otherwise be very different when implemented as GUIs.

Using the same interface, I can move or edit files, cross out tasks on my to-do list, retrieve my password for my email account (using Bitwarden or pass), etc. All in the command line. The GUI for each of those are wildly different.

The other benefit is it is very easy to create a new command line app, as opposed to a GUI.

Is anything like this possible for the smartphone world (even if it doesn’t or will never exist)? What would it look like?

Since smartphone typing is much slower, we can’t simply reuse the command line. We’d need something different. An interface that can still support a various spectrum of different operations, yet ergonomic for a smartphone. What are your thoughts?

  • @theRealBassist
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    21 month ago

    My confusion with this post is that it already exists? It’s just your home screen on your phone.

    Ergonomic, supports a variety of functions (adjusting settings, running applications, customization, viewing device info), is loosely standardized (much like terminals across OSs), and widely adopted.

    The only difference is touch interface vs. Text interface.

    Like what are you actually looking for? A gesture controlled terminal or an interface? You already have the latter.